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News and Notes from Day 1 of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Hlinka Gretzky Cup at Rogers Place
Photo credit: Liam Horrobin
Liam Horrobin
Aug 6, 2024, 00:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 6, 2024, 00:10 EDT
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The Hlinka Gretzky Cup returned to Edmonton for the second time in its 33-year history. The competition returns for the first time since 2018, when Canada lifted the trophy, defeating the Swedes, led by Lucas Raymond. Canada is seeking a similar result this time around as it looks to win its third gold in a row.
Canada and the United States are the North American representatives, with Czechia, Finland, Germany, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland coming from Europe. For the third consecutive year, those eight teams will compete in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Day 1 was filled with thrilling hockey, with upsets coming in three of the four games.

DAY 1 RESULTS…

Game 1: Slovakia 3 Sweden 4 (OT)
Sweden didn’t make life easy on themselves in the tournament opener. After holding a 3-1 lead over Slovakia in the third period, they allowed two goals less than three minutes apart, forcing overtime. Luckily for them, Filip Ekberg netted the game-winner, securing two points. Slovakia has already improved on last year’s tournament after going pointless in 2023.
Game 2: Germany 2 Finland 1 (OT)
Germany were another that failed to get points last time around but started this year with a win. Finland lead 1-0 for the majority of the game but a pair of German twins helped there nation get the win. Rihards Griva scored with under five minutes to play in the third period to send the game to overtime. Then, Rihards twin brother, Gustavs scored the overtime winner with the assist coming from his brother.
Game 3: United States 1 Czechia 2
Czechia hosted the competition last year and finished second, losing to Canada 3-2 in overtime. They destroyed the United States 7-2 in there opening game and beat them again to kick off this years tournament. The result wasn’t as embarrassing for the US this time, falling 2-1. Matt Grimes opened the scoring for Team USA but with goals from Adam Novotny and David Rozsival, Czechia fought back to win 2-1.
Game 4: Canada 10 Switzerland 0
Canada left no doubt that they were the defending champions, dominating the Swiss 10-0. Caleb Desnoyers started the scoring, but it was captain Matthew Schaefer who led the way for Canada. The Erie Otter scored a pair of goals and picked up an assist in the win. Jack Ivankovic had a quiet night facing 20 shots, but when called upon, he answered the bell.

OTHER THINGS WORTH MENTIONING…

  • Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters, OHL, will wear the “C” for Team Canada. Joining him as assistant captains are forwards Gavin McKenna, Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL, and Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL.
  • Blake Fiddler, son of former NHLer Vernon, was named captain of Team USA. Fiddler plays for the Edmonton Oil Kings after they took him 1st overall in the 2022 WHL US Draft. He played in 63 games as a rookie, scoring five goals and 15 points.
  • Rather bizarrely, Sam Kappell was forced to leave the game between Team USA and Team Czechia after it was determined he wasn’t on the game sheet. The decision to remove him came with 13:43 remaining in the third period.
  • Germany’s 2-1 overtime win over Finland was its first win at the Hlinka Gretzky since 2013. Its last was a 6-3 win over Slovakia, in which Leon Draisaitl scored a goal and had four assists.

UP NEXT…

Germany and Czechia start the day two festivities with the big game of the day between Finland and the US following them. Canada close out the day against Slovakia, while Sweden face Switzerland in the lone game in the Downtown Community Rink.

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