The 2026 version of the annual Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament was held last week in Edmonton, concluding yesterday. This U18 event presents the initial opportunity for top North American and European draft prospects (mostly 2027 draft-eligible players, but some 2028 draft prospects as well) to showcase their skills to the scouting community, not to mention garnering international bragging rights for their respective countries. Canada reclaimed the gold medal from the United States with a decisive victory over the Americans in yesterday’s Gold Medal Game. Also, Finland claimed the bronze medal with its one-goal victory over Sovakia, also played yesterday.
A summary of each day’s games follows. Also, the link to the tournament schedule, together with the scores from each game, is attached.
AUGUST 3
United States 6, Czechia 4 – The United States jumped out to a 5-1 lead, then held on for the victory. The United States was led by a hat trick from forward Gavin Burcar (WHL Spokane), and Czechia received two goals from forward Lukas Kachlir (Czech U20). For their efforts, Burcar and Kachlir were named players of the game for their respective teams. US d-man Jake Prunty (USHL Sioux Falls) was also heavily involved in the American attack, registering two assists.
Finland 5, Germany 2 – Germany jumped out to a 2-0 first-period lead on goals by 2027 draft-eligible forwards Max Calce (DEL Adler Manheim) and Nikita Bloch (AUS U20), before Finland scored 5 unanswered goals for the win. 2027 draft-eligible forward Luukas Kokkonen (Finland U20) and D Lenni Kokkonen (Finland U20), no relation, had two points apiece to pace the Finns.
Canada 7, Switzerland 3 – This game saw the teams combine for four goals (two apiece) in the first eight minutes of the contest, but Canada ended up dominating, outshooting the Swiss 48-25. 2028 draft eligible forward Liam Pue scored twice for Canada, and WHL Regina teammate Maddox Schultz (also 2028 DE) assisted on both Pue tallies.
Sweden 4, Slovakia 3 (OT) – The nightcap game saw the first overtime of the tournament in an evenly-played contest, with Slovakia holding a 38-35 shot advantage. Projected first-round 2027 pick Milan Sundstrom scored the OT winner roughly three minutes into the extra session, his 3rd point of the night (2G 1A).
AUGUST 4
Czechia 8, Slovakia 3 – Czechia scored three first-period goals en route to the victory, outshooting the Germans 41-32. 2027 draft-eligible prospect Maxmilian Mares (QMJHL Rimouski) scored one and assisted on one of those goals, and had another helper to finish with three points. Also, Czechia D and 2027 draft prospect Lukas Kachir (CZE U20) added two assists for Czechia. C Max Calce (DEL Adler Mannheim), the top-rated prospect for Germany in 2027, registered a goal to help pace the German attack.
Switzerland 7, Sweden 6 – In a game featuring 99 shots (50-49 for Sweden), Swiss 2027 forward draft prospect Sebastian Weber (SUI U21-Elite) scored two goals, including the game-winner with two seconds left, to pace Switzerland. Sweden received two goals from 2027 forward draft prospect Oliver Sundstrom, and two assists from 2027 forward draft prospect Loui Karlsson, to pace its attack.
Canada 6, Slovakia 1 – Canada outshot the Slovaks 48-13 en route to an easy victory. Slovakian 2027 goaltender draft prospect Nicko Zakk Havel (Windy City Storm 18U) turned aside 42 of those shots, and was named his team’s player of the game for his efforts. Projected #1 overall 2027 draft prospect Landon DuPont (NCAA Michigan) had two points (1G 1A) for Team Canada, and was named its player of the game.
United States 4, Finland 1 – A pair of projected 2nd-rounders in 2027, forward Ethan Sung (USHL Sioux Falls) and d-man Jake Prunty (USNTDP), paced the US attack with two points each (2G for Sung, and 2A for Prunty). Projected 2nd-rounder in 2027, center Olli Kylmala (FIN U20), assisted on Finland’s lone goal.
AUGUST 5
Slovakia 6, Switzerland – Slovakia overtook Switzerland in the standings to earn a semi-final berth against the United States on Saturday. Leading the way for the Slovaks was 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Tomas Selic (CZE U20), who figured into all six goals (4G 2A). Potential top-5 2027 draft pick Jonah Neuenschwander (SWI U21-Elite) managed one assist for the Swiss.
Finland 5, Czechia 4 – The Czechs scored two third-period goals to make this a one-goal game, but ultimately were overtaken by the Fins in their bid for a semi-final berth. 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Luca Santala (OHL London) recorded two points (1G 1A) to lead the Finland scoring attack. 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Maxmilian Mares (QMJHL Rimouski) scored a goal to remain tied for 5th in tournament scoring (6 points).
Canada 7, Sweden 4 – Canada raced out to a 5-0 first-period lead, and used a decided shot (49-25) and territorial advantage to seal the victory. 2027 draft-eligible D prospect Brock Cripps (WHL Prince Albert) had two points (1G 1A) on the game’s first two tallies, and 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Louis Karlsson (SWE U20 Nationell) scored two goals in Sweden’s comeback attempt.
United States 8, Germany 1 – The issue was never in doubt in this game, although 2028 draft-eligible forward prospect Emil Sender (DEL U20) scored the game’s first goal for Germany. 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Ethan Sung (USHL Sioux Falls) and 2028 draft-eligible forward prospect Joey Cullen (NCAA Minnesota) each had two points to pace the US attack.
AUGUST 7
United States 5, Slovakia 2 (Semi-final) – The US outshot Slovakia 45-23, and were led in scoring by 2028 draft-eligible forward prospect Nash Roed (USNTDP), who recorded a hat trick. The Slovaks were paced in scoring by two goals from 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Patrik Rychlik (Slovakia Professional), including a short-handed tally in the second period. 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Tomas Selic (CZE U20) was held off the score sheet for Slovakia, although he remains in a four-way tie for the most tournament points (8).
Canada 6, Finland 3 (Semi-final) – Finland gave an excellent effort in this semi-final, led by two goals from 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Olli Kylmala (FIN U20). However, they ultimately were overrun by the numerous Canadian finishers. Canada was led by a 4-point effort (1G 3A) from 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Jaakko Wycisk (OHL Guelph), who is in a four-way tie for the tournament lead in points (8).
Switzerland 5, Czechia 1 (5th Place Game) – Despite being outshot 47-25 by the Czechs, the Swiss took 5th place in this tournament with its defeat of the Czechs. Switzerland’s offense was paced by two points (1G 1A) from 2027 draft-eligible forward prospect Jonah Neuenschwander, and Swiss 2027 draft-eligible goaltending prospect Luca Blaser (SUI U21- Elite) turned aside 46 of the 47 shots he faced (.979 SVP).
AUGUST 8
Finland 3, Slovakia 2 (Bronze Medal Game) – Slovakia jumped out to a 2-0 first-period lead, but Finland used a 39-14 shot advantage to come back and secure the Bronze Medal. Forwards Luca Santala (2027 draft-eligible) and Paavo Fugleberg (2028 draft-eligible) each had a goal and an assist to pace Finland.
Sweden 4, Germany 2 (7th Place Game) – Sweden received two goals apiece from 2027 draft-eligible forward prospects Oliver Sundberg (SWE U20) and Olle Zetterstedt (SWE U18 Nationell) to prevail in this closely contested 7th place game. Top German 2027 forward prospect Max Calce (Germany DEL) had an assist in this game.
Canada 8, United States 1 (Gold Medal Game) – 2027 draft-eligible d-man prospect Landon DuPont (NCAA Michigan) and 2028 draft-eligible forward prospect Liam Pue (WHL Regina) each recorded three points in an overwhelming Gold Medal Game victory, in which Canada enjoyed a 45-17 shot advantage. Also, forwards Brock England (2027 draft-eligible from WHL Seattle) and Maddox Schultz (2028 draft-eligible from WHL Regina) had two goals apiece for Canada.
https://www.hlinkagretzkycup.ca/en-ca/season/2026/stats/schedule?tournament=true
