Hlinka Gretzky Recap
The 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup finished up in August, a first look at some of the top talent for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.
Recaps on all 8 teams + top prospects below
Canada
Gold
A three-peat for Canada as Gavin McKenna and company took care of business from the start, finishing on top of Group A and a dominating 5-1 win over the United States in the semifinals. A tight gold medal game vs Czechia was their toughest of the tournament, a mature 2-1 win. Captain Matt Schaefer was one of many standouts, so solid skating out of trouble, knifing through with a fluid stride to generate breakouts and rush chances.
Cole Reschny and Émile Guité, both 2025 draft prospects to watch this upcoming year in the CHL, led Team Canada in points with 3G 4A each. Both players are entering their 2nd season in the CHL, after near point per game seasons in their first full junior season in 23-24. Another standout entering their 2nd junior season was Cameron Schmidt. Yes he is undersized, listed at 5’8”, but he was a coach’s dream throughout. A constant buzz / high tempo, but his IQ supporting plays was most impressive, he has the escapability with a smooth yet quick stepped stride to put him at or above play pace.
Schmidt put up 3G 1A over 5 games, with a breakout 2G game vs Slovakia and goals in the semifinal vs USA and finals vs Sweden. The Vancouver Giant of the WHL was just off a point per game during the regular season in 23-24 with 31G 27A in 59 games + 2G in 5 playoff games.
Jack Ivankovic of Brampton of the OHL was the go to guy between the pipes, appearing in 4 games with 1 shutout, .75 GAA and .967 save %. Despite being lightly tested at times in the tournament, Ivankovic was always there for the key save.
Along with all the 2025 NHL draft talent, Gavin McKenna continued to wow scouts despite not being eligible until the 2026 draft. Finishing 3rd in points for Team Canada with 3G 3A in 6 games, McKenna showed a quick first step and ability to create, with a determined, mature game away from the puck. The “next one” gets thrown around too much and often, but he is the real deal. As some top prospects finish at or around a point per game in their first season of junior, McKenna was at 97 (34G 63A) in 61 regular season WHL games last year.
Czechia
Silver
Despite a tight 2-1 loss in the gold medal game vs Canada, Czechia left Edmonton with heads held high. A 2nd straight silver medal run started with a 2-1 win over the United States, seemingly getting better as they went along with controlled wins over Germany 7-3, Finland 4-1 and Sweden in the semifinal 5-1.
Adam Benak became the all time points leader for the Hlinka Gretzky tournament vs Germany with a hat trick + 2 assist effort, and was constant creator on the puck for Czechia. With quick hands and feel for pressure, Benak has the puck skills to get out of tight spaces or dish quickly. The 2025 draft prospect looks to be headed over to the USHL for 24-25 to play for Youngstown, a name to remember for NHL draft time.
Czechia goaltender Ondrej Stebetak had a brutal start to the tournament, allowing a goal from center ice in the opening game vs the United States, but was lights out from that moment. Stebetak stole the show stopping all 30 shots to secure the 2-1 win over Czechia’s toughest opponent in the group. After getting a rest for game 2, Stebetak continued his form into the gold medal game, allowing just 1 goal to Finland to secure the top spot of the group and 1 vs Sweden in the semifinals.
Sweden
Bronze
Sweden was the clear #2 team coming out of Group A, opening the tournament by surviving Slovakia’s upset bid with a 4-3 OT win, followed up by a 12-1 thrashing of Switzerland. Finishing group play was the ultimate test in Canada, a 2-1 loss that could have been tied up as Sweden pushed everything to the net in the final 10 minutes.
Viktor Klingsell would lead the tournament in points with 12 (4G 8A), 2G 5A in the blowout win vs Switzerland. So good creating and working off line mates, Klingsell’s strength and quick puck decisions created throughout the tournament, a well rounded offensive game.
Filip Ekbert stood out early, electric at times with multiple scoring chances vs Slovakia, scoring twice including the game winner attacking the net. The 2024 CHL Import Draft 1st round selection of the Ottawa 67’s would add an assist Switzerland but would not appear in the semifinal or bronze medal game. A busy season yet productive season in 23-24, at almost a point per game clip at the junior level + 21 games in the Allsvenskan, the Swedish Pro 2nd division.
Elite Prospects - Filip Ekberg
United States
4th
The United States medalled for the 1st time since 2016’s silver with a bronze in last years tournament, but their bid to repeat was stifled by a deep and relentless Sweden side in the bronze medal game. A meeting with Canada in the semifinal could have been avoided with a top place finish in the group, but Czechia’s 2-1 opening day win set up a tough road to gold. The United States bounced back with a controlled 3-1 win over Finland, before blowing out Germany 12-3.
Just like last year however, Canada was too much for the Americans, falling 5-1 and finding Sweden in the bronze medal game. Sweden would capitalize on any mistake throughout, taking the bronze with a 6-3 win. Matthew Lansing came into the bronze medal game with 2 goals, and added 2 more, powering the USA’s comeback effort. Lansing would lead the US in goal scoring, with Alex Donovan (1G 4A) and Carter Murphy (0G 5A) leading in points. Another USHL prospect to watch next season with Nicolas Sykora, the son of former New Jersey Devil Petr Sykora. The Omaha Lancer, and Quinnipiac University commit scored twice vs Germany with a lethal, natural release.
Ryan Cameron of the Long Island Gulls was the main starter for the United States, technically sound and a high level of focus. Cameron was one of the top goaltenders at the USNTDP U17 camp, so consistent in his approach, helping the Atlantic District win the camp championship with fellow LI Gulls goaltending partner Leon Chapkis.
Slovakia
5th
In a tough group A with Canada and Sweden, Slovakia needed an upset to get into medal contention, and almost pulled it off day 1, falling to Sweden 4-3 in OT. They were outmatched by Canada’s consistency and ruthlessness hunting the puck, but hung into the 3rd period down 3-1 before Canada would pull away, taking it 5-1.
Michal Svrcek was the OT hero in game 3 vs Switzerland, after a 2 goal, 3rd period lead vanished late, to put Slovakia into the 5th place game vs Germany. Svrcek’s elusive hands and ability to create scoring chances was an offensive driver for Slovakia, leading in points and scoring in the final 3 games vs Canada, Switzerland and 2 in the 5th place win over Germany. The Lincoln Stars 2023 6th round pick has the vision, puck skills both handling and shooting, but isn’t the most powerful skater yet, finding pockets for himself to create.
Svrcek has been with Swedish club Brynas since starting at U18s in 22-23, splitting last season between U18s and U20s, some clips below highlighting his release and ability to get shots off while changing the angle.
Slovakia turned to 6’5” goaltender Michal Pradel for 3 of 4 starts, and will certainly get scouts attention for the 2025 draft for his athleticism at his height. Still somewhat raw however, but a long season in 24-25 will only help him fine tune his craft.
Germany
6th
Finishing 3rd in Group B behind Czechia and the United States is a great finish for the Germans, facilitated by their 2-1 OT win over Finland in game 1. Gustavus Griva was the OT hero vs Finland, and led Germany in points along with brother Rihards, each with 2G 2A over 4 games.
Halifax’s 1st round pick of the 2024 CHL Import Draft Carlos Handel stood out for Germany on the back end, a skilled righty with the puck skills to get out of trouble and continue plays. His ability to maneuver around pucks and dangle by the first layer of pressure created multiple chances throughout the tournament, impressive game vs Slovakia in 5th place matchup. Still adding on the power but a prospect to keep an eye on in the QMJHL this season.
Finland
7th
The Fins entered the tournament finishing 4th or better in their last 4, last medaling in 2022 with a bronze but struggled offensively scoring just 3 goals during the group stage. Following an OT upset to Germany, Finland had an uphill battle with the USA and Czechia, falling 3-1 and 4-1 before facing Switzerland in the 7th place game.
Max Westergard would break a 2-2 tie in the 3rd period vs the Swiss to lead Finland to their first win of the tournament, ending on a high note. Despite just 1 start playing behind Petrik Kerkola, Jooa Sammalniemi flexibility and athleticism stood out between the pipes vs Czechia. So quick on his pads and active, aggressive hands. Highlights below from last year’s U17 World Hockey Challenge.
Switzerland
8th
Outscored in their first 2 games vs Canada and Sweden 22-1, Switzerland bounced back vs Slovakia, falling 3-2 in OT in their best game of the tournament. Despite finishing last after a 5-2 loss in the 7th place game vs Finland, Switzerland’s experience hopefully continues to push their development of younger players.
