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It´s time once again for the annual U18 international tournament that gives the hockey world a glimpse of tomorrow´s stars. Eight teams begin their quest on Monday, with the finals coming up on Saturday. The tournament´s full schedule is available HERE.
Sweden vs Germany
Břeclav, 15:30 CET
One of hockey’s big powers, Sweden has won 13 medals at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup but gold only once, in 2007. The Swedes will again be one of the favourites and bring a talented team led by centre Alexander Zetterberg. There first test will be Germany, which is competing at this event for the third straight year. The Germans, who are led by returning forward Elias Pul, will be in tough during the Group Stage but will look to play spoilers if a team takes them lightly.
Canada vs Finland
Trenčín, 15:30 CET
A perennial juggernaut at this event, Canada has won this event 23 times and again enters this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup favoured to win. The Canadians again bring several top NHL draft prospects, including but not limited to Berkly Catton, Sam Dickinson, Henry Mews and 2007-born Michael Misa. This first game could be Canada’s toughest test of the Group Stage against a talented Finnish team that includes Veeti Väisänen and Emil Hemming. Last year’s bronze was Finland’s first medal at this event since 2012.
Czechia vs USA
Břeclav, 19:30 CET
Fans in Břeclav are looking forward to the night game against a team they know little about. The USA is usually dominant at the U18 World Championship but has only one Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal, back in 2003. Among their players to watch here are Alaskan forward Mac Swanson. The Czechs are always motivated to win when they host this tournament, and look to get off on the right foot in this one. They’re led by defenceman Adam Jiříček, the younger brother of NHLer David. In tune-up games on Saturday, Czechia fell 5-0 to Canada while the USA defeated Slovakia 4-1.
Slovakia vs Switzerland
Trenčín, 19:30 CET
Trenčín is co-hosting this event for the first time and the fans got their first look at their squad in a pre-tournament game on Saturday, but this is the first one that counts for points. Two years ago, a very talented Slovak team finished second in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup – their first medal since 1998. Led by defenceman Jakub Chromiak, they’ll begin their quest to return to the podium against Switzerland. Defenceman Daniil Ustinkov, last winter’s European Youth Olympic Festival MVP, is the player to watch for Switzerland.