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The 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup kicked off on Monday across both host cities, with games seeing top teams live up to pre-tournament expectations. Canada and Sweden earned convincing wins, while Czechia impressed in front of their home crown. Slovakia, however, fell just short in a tightly contested battle with the USA.
Canada 5:3 Finland (2:2, 1:0, 2:1)
Canada jumped to an early two-goal lead, but Finland tied it before the first break. A short-handed goal by Ryan Lin just before the second intermission swung momentum back Canada’s way and they sealed the win with a late empty-netter.
Germany 0:10 Sweden (0:4, 0:1, 0:5)
Sweden dominated from start to finish in Trenčín. After a four-goal first period, they kept piling on, reaching double digits with a relentless offensive display. Germany had no answers.
Czechia 6:2 Switzerland (1:1, 4:1, 1:0)
Despite an early Swiss goal, host nation Czechia took control in the second period, scoring four goals, including some with a bit of luck. Defender Lukáš Kachlíř shined with two goals as the Czechs cruised to a confident tournament-opening win.
Slovakia 3:6 USA (1:1, 1:2, 1:3)
Slovakia pushed the Americans hard, with Oliver Ozogány scoring a hat trick to tie the game not one, not two, but three times! But missed chances — including a 5-on-3 powerplay in the third period — proved costly. In the final minutes, the USA scored three unanswered goals (including two empty-netters) to take all points.