The unofficial start of the scouting season, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a summer tournament that gives scouts and teams their first look at the players to see how they’ve improved with a summer of training. This year’s tournament took place from August 3rd to 8th in Edmonton, Alberta, and McKeen’s Hockey was there for every game and got some early impressions of the players.
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an international tournament for U-18 players to have a chance to represent their countries, jump start their seasons, and show off their current level of play. The participating players are generally in their draft eligible seasons, though some teams may bring 16-year-olds to the tournament if their play warrants inclusion.Though not sanctioned by the IIHF, it’s still a prominent tournament and was well attended by scouts and team management from numerous leagues including the NHL, CHL, and the NCAA.
This year’s gold medal game was won by Canada, with an 8-1 victory over the USA. They were the two best teams of the tournament, with both squads going undefeated in the group stage. Finland won the bronze medal over Slovakia. Switzerland had a surprising result with a fifth-place finish over a disappointing Team Czechia. Another underwhelming team, Sweden, defeated Germany in the seventh-place game.
Here are our three Standouts for each nation. Included is a video highlight from their play at the tournament.
CANADA
The Canadians usually bring a stacked roster to this tournament, and this year was no different. Expectations were high for the host country and they showed up and showed out while averaging just under seven goals per game. The team was well balanced with standouts at Forward, Defence, and Goal. There are at least six potential first round picks in the 2027 NHL Draft on the team’s roster, and it’s almost unfair to pick only three standouts. But it was the two underagers, Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue, who were the talk of the tournament for Canada.
Maddox Schultz - Forward
Leading the tournament in scoring with ten points in five games, the 2010 born underager, was everything at forward for Canada. He played in every situation, and his chemistry with Liam Pue from their time playing together for the Regina Pats of the WHL, was obvious from their first shift of the tournament. The pairing generally saw Schultz as the playmaker with Pue as the triggerman. Schultz saved his best for the Gold medal game with two goals and an assist. There were no weaknesses in Schultz’s game in this tournament, and it was a great demonstration of not only his offensive prowess, but how much his two-way game has progressed.
This clip shows Schultz’s (#19 in red) playmaking at work. This play is very typical of how he would work the cycle, anticipating what his teammates were going to do and make himself available. From there, he uses his playmaking vision to find Pue streaking to the net for a goal.
Liam Pue - Forward
The other 2010 born player for Canada, Pue led the tournament in goals with six. Acting as the primary shooter for his line, Pue consistently put himself in good position for shots, using a mix of skating and offensive zone awareness. He can shoot from the flank and was used there on the power play. He can also skate the puck into the slot and release a toe drag wrist shot or go to the net without the puck knowing that his linemates would get it to him for a scoring chance. He was physical at times and didn’t shy away from the hard areas of the ice.
Pue’s (#23 in red) wrist shot was one of his primary goalscoring weapons in this tournament. This clip is a perfect example of his ability to skate into space for a pass, load up his shot, and pick a corner, all while moving towards the net.
Landon Dupont - Defence
This was Dupont’s second Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and he was named Canada’s Captain this time around. The right shot defenceman was everywhere for Canada, and played in all situations, averaging over 23 minutes per game. His mix of skating and passing allowed for quick and easy zone transitions. His ability to read the play and work as Canada’s power play quarterback were second to none in this tournament and he mixed in equal amounts of shots and passes to generate offence. In his own zone he was able to read plays to break up passes to start zone exits and was physical when the opportunity presented itself.
While primarily a playmaker, Dupont (#9 in red) also possesses a hard, strong shot that he can use coming downhill off the blue line.
Honourable Mentions: Jaakko Wysick, Kayden Stroeder, Benjamin Veitch, Brock Cripps
USA
Each year the team representing the USA for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is generally constructed of players from the USHL, CHL, and US high school ranks. They rarely bring their best of the best to the tournament, and this year was no exception. With a roster of sneaky good forwards, late birthday goaltenders, and a few good defencemen, this year’s team ran through their group while averaging six goals per game and played well enough to get into the medal round. While they seemed to be getting stronger through the tournament, they were overmatched by a top Canadian squad once they reached the gold medal game.
Gavin Burcar - Forward
Burcar was the leading scorer for the US in the tournament, collecting five goals and nine total points in five games, including a hat trick vs Czechia. The right-handed centre was a buzzsaw in every game and the coaching staff used him in all situations. Offensively, he’d take the puck to the slot with regularity, where he would use a variety of moves and shots to create chances. It was a statement tournament for Burcar, one that will have him on scouts' radar moving forward.
This play shows Burcar (#10 in white) at his two-way best. He’s able to generate a turnover in the neutral zone off a poorly delivered pass by the Czechs. From there he’s able to use his speed to create separation while corralling the puck, finishing the play off with a very nice shot for a goal.
Joey Cullen - Forward
Cullen was the first ever underage player selected to represent the USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. While the distinction is nice, it was his play that teams will remember as they look to draft him early in the 2028 NHL Draft. Cullen is a crafty with slick puck handling skills and offensive hockey sense that allowed him to be a point per game player in the tournament. The son of longtime NHLer Matt Cullen (and younger brother of Wyatt Cullen, the 2026 10th overall pick), Joey will be a player to watch as he becomes even more confident with increased size and strength.
This clip shows Cullen (#20 in blue) using his puck handling ability to create a scoring chance while dancing around two Slovakian defenders. This type of play was repeated by Cullen in most games at the tournament.
Ethan Sung - Forward
Despite being the shortest player on Team USA’s roster, Sung registered more than a point per game in the tournament. Frequently used on the team’s top line and power play, he drove play with his skating and transition offence. Once in the offensive zone, he wasn’t afraid to go to the net with or without the puck. While his future may be murky due to his size, in this tournament, he was one of the USA’s top forwards.
In this clip, we can see Sung (#22 in blue) receive the pass in the defensive zone and become a one man transitional force. He uses his foot speed and puck handling to beat the defender and create a shot on net.
Honourable Mentions: Jake Prunty, Gerry DiCunzolo
FINLAND
With their typical team-first, five-man unit defensive style, Finland was able to win the Bronze medal this year. The Fins rarely have game breaking talent at this tournament, so they need to rely on good coaching and buy-in on a defensive system to have success. Their commitment to their play style was noticeable even when they were forced to play forwards on defence as illness ran through the team. And while the hallmark of Finland’s structure is defence first, they did have some notable offensive contributors help carry them to the medal round.
Luca Santala - Forward
Santala was expected to be Finland’s best player and based on his overall play, he was arguably that. His offensive contributions were there, but it was his defensive work and detailed play in all three zones where he helped his team more often that not. He was a step ahead of the opposition frequently, disrupting passes and breakouts to help fuel counterattacks. He was a versatile forward, playing at both center and wing.
Whenever Finland was on the power play, Santala (#24 in white) played the left flank where he was available for one timers, or in this case to drive to the net for a cross-crease pass and a scoring chance.
Paavo Fugleberg - Forward
A late 2009 birthday aged forward, Fugleberg was one of the main offensive drivers for Finland, and he ended up tied for the team lead in points in the tournament. At even strength and on the power play, he formed a strong pairing with Santala, mixing in equal parts playmaker and shooter. He was also a solid two-way player, helping with team defence five on five.
This clip showcases Fugleberg’s (#10 in black) stick handling and passing skills, allowing him to create space for a scoring chance.
Lenni Kokkonen - Defence
Kokkonen was Finland’s best and most steady defenceman in this tournament. He missed the group stage game vs the USA due to illness and his absence was notable, given how poorly the team fared in that game on both ends of the ice. A two-way defender, Kokkonen was able to generate offence both at even strength and on the power play while also transitioning the puck out of the defensive zone with regularity.
Here we see Kokkonen’s (#6 in black) ability to use his skating to create space for himself against the oncoming defender. Once past the player, he is able to create a scoring chance by continuing to play through the first blocked shot.
Honourable Mention: Olli Kylmala
SLOVAKIA
The Slovaks had a bit of an up and down tournament this year. The team worked hard and were well coached, but in games against more talented teams like Canada and the US, they were overmatched. That being said, they also played in the game of the tournament, a chippy, hard fought overtime loss to Sweden in the last game of day one. The team relied on two-way play and some of the best goaltending of the tournament to do as well as they did, losing late in the Bronze medal game to Finland. This year’s group can be proud of the effort they turned in.
Tomas Selic - Forward
The big winger was the offensive catalyst for the Slovaks this year. He tied for second place in goals and third in overall points. He possesses good foot speed for a player of his size and was able to be effective in all three zones as a result. His longer reach allowed him to break up passes and key the counterattack as well.
This play sees Selic’s (#24 in blue) counter attacking skill leading to a goal. Seeing an opportunity to step up and break up a pass, Selic does just that. Using his forward momentum to create separation, Selic is able to turn the breakaway into a goal.
Oliver Botka - Defence
Botka was easily the best defenceman for Team Slovakia in this tournament. The two-way defender powered transitional offence with quick feet and good puck handling. He quarterbacked the power play, mixing passes to the flanks with shots on net. He was good in his own zone as well, using defensive awareness, an active stick, and timely hitting to help to make up for a position group that was a weakness on this year’s team.
In this clip, we see Botka (#23 in blue) using his skating to transition the puck through all three zones and create a scoring chance. Using hesitation and head fakes along with his puck handling, he’s able to create space for himself to work his way towards the opponent’s net for a shot on goal.
Jakub Husar - Goaltender
Arguably the best goaltender of the tournament, Husar was a calm and polished product relative to his peers. In a tournament generally geared towards offence, his strong technical base and great athleticism helped him stand out. His rebound control and glove hand were also parts of his game that stood out. Surprisingly, he was also very good at handling the puck, mixing in long stretch passes on the power play and attempting a shot at an empty net. He finished the tournament with the second best save percentage (0.923%) and his 2.91 GAA made him one of the few goaltenders with a sub 3.00 GAA.
On this play, Husar is able to make a save on one of the best forwards in the tournament, Jonah Neuenschwander, in close. Husar’s calm and patient demeanor allowed him to outwait Neuenschwander, forcing the forward to make the first move. From there Husar is able to make a nice glove save.
Honourable Mentions: Michal Lazovsky, Patrik Rychlik
SWITZERLAND
Few teams did as much with as little in the tournament as Switzerland, with this year’s team surviving on solid goaltending and timely scoring. Competing against some of the world’s best nations with only one bona fide NHL prospect in Jonah Neuenschwander, the Swiss won a come from behind victory over a stunned Sweden team in the second game of the group stage. They also upset Czechia in the fifth-place game. This gave the Swiss their best result in the tournament since it was renamed the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in 2006.
Jonah Neuenschwander - Forward
Participating in his second Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the tall center was everything for Switzerland in the tournament. Used in all situations with a motor that never quit, his size, skating, and shooting ability resulted in points in every game the Swiss played. Neuenschwander solidified his position as a top prospect in the 2027 NHL Draft at this tournament, and NHL teams will be watching him closely moving forward.
This clip shows Neuenschwander (#19 in white) ripping a laser of a shot past Canada on the power play. He takes advantage of the extra space with the man advantage to get closer to the net and then uses the defender as a screen for the shot release. Given the shot placement, it’s possible the Canadian goaltender wouldn’t have stopped the shot even if he had a clear look at it.
Alessandro Domenichelli - Forward
The son of former NHL’er, Knat Domenichelli, the winger ended the tournament as Switzerland’s leading scorer with seven points in four games. He saved his best for last, adding a goal and two assists in the Swiss victory over Czechia in the fifth-place game. His puck handling skills are his best asset but he is also a competitive player who is not afraid of the physical part of the game.
On this play, Domenichelli (#17 in white) uses his puck handling and puck protection skills to gain the offensive zone and create a tap-in goal for his teammate. While not a particularly speedy play, Domenichelli is able to create separation and protect the puck by being shifty and using his edges.
Luca Blaser - Goaltender
Despite being on a team with two goaltenders who are the sons of former NHL goaltenders, Blaser was the one who stood out as one of the best in the tournament. Tied with one other player as the shortest goaltender in the tournament at 5-foot-10”, Blaser played much bigger than his height. He started two of the three games he played in and had a tournament leading 0.926 save percentage. He saved his best game for last, stopping 46 of 47 shots in the fifth place game victory over Czechia.
In this clip, the unheralded Blaser is doing everything he can to keep Canada from scoring another goal. He doesn’t get much support from his defence on the second effort and fights just to keep the puck from going in.
Honourable Mention: Leo Ulrich
CZECHIA
With their worst result since 2021, this Czech team struggled to keep the puck out of the net and close out games. Their only victory came against Germany, the worst team of the tournament. Despite having a good mix of size and skill, the Czech’s ended up with a -2 goal differential over four games while averaging over 40 shots per game. This year’s team played a high event style that their defence and goaltending wasn’t ready to handle.
Maxmilian Mares - Forward
One of the early surprises of the tournament, the towering center quickly gained the attention of everyone who watched Czechia play. Standing at 6-foot-6”, Mares was one of the biggest players at this year’s event. But it was his play that really stood out. After starting on the third line in the first game, he was moved up to the first line and stayed there for the rest of the tournament. Possessing puck handling skills and hand-eye coordination of a smaller player, Mares was very effective at the front of the net and in the slot. He was also the play driver for his line once moved up the lineup.
A highlight reel goal from Mares (#23 in red) on day two of the tournament after being elevated to Czechia’s top line. What stands out in this clip is how good Mares’s puck handling is in tight, despite his larger frame.
Lukas Kachlir - Defender
Listed at 5-foot-8” and 160 pounds, Kachlir was Czechia’s smallest player. Despite his size, he was one of the better Czech players, scoring points in three of their four games. An offensive defenceman, he quarterbacked the power play and was creative in the offensive zone, mixing in shots and passes while skating through the zone looking for opportunities. As expected, his play in his own zone wasn’t as good. Good skating helped his lack of reach and he used an active stick to break up passes where he could.
This clip demonstrates Kachlir’s (#4 in white) ability to create chances in the offensive zone. Receiving the puck from Mares along the wall, he immediately tests the opposition defence and goaltending with a shot. Getting his own rebound he’s able to circle behind the net and find space for another shot attempt. The clip finishes with Kachlir resuming defensive positioning in case the puck is turned over.
Dominick Byrtus - Defender
Byrtus played a good two-way defenceman’s game, and his breakouts were a highlight for Czechia. He also stood out with his ability to read plays while defending the rush. He was able to gap up oncoming rushers and funnel them into the wall, making him one of the better defenders for this Czech team. He flashed some offensive skill as well, usually gaining the zone and drawing defenders to him to open up passing lanes.
Byrtus (#9 in white) used this play a number of times in the tournament. He liked to work the give and go at the opposition blue line and carry the puck deeper into the offensive zone. Once there, he would look to draw defenders to him to create space in front of the net for passing options.
Honourable Mention: Oliver Vanha
SWEDEN
Usually a top contender at this tournament, Sweden’s team was one of the most disappointing this year. The Swedes had a few good players but the lack of depth at forward, defence, and goaltending was clear. They won the game of the tournament against Slovakia in overtime at the end of day one and then struggled the rest of the way. They were shocked by a 6-7 loss to Switzerland on short rest on day two and day three saw them allow five goals in the first period to Canada. Just like that, the Swedish hopes of a medal were gone.
Milan Sundstrom - Forward
The most talented player on this year’s team, Sundstrom played in all situations for Sweden. His ability to protect the puck in all three zones with his size, skating, and positioning was a highlight. He could work his way to the net off the walls to attack the slot both as a puck carrier and as a passing option. He was physical when the opportunity presented itself. There were some questionable decisions in the offensive zone, particularly with too many telegraphed backhand passes, but his overall game will have NHL evaluators watching him closely moving forward.
This play sees Sundstrom (#14 in yellow) protecting the puck while entering the offensive zone on the powerplay. With the extra bit of space, it’s not difficult for Sundstrom to use his size, speed, and reach to pass by the Canadian defender and get a shot on net.
Dorian Eklund Aspe - Forward
A burgeoning power forward, Eklund Aspe, is beginning to understand what kind of player he could become. With points in every game for Sweden, he showed a nose for the net and the ability to use his size and skill to win puck battles and protect the puck in the offensive zone. His hands allowed him to be a playmaker and get good puck touches close to the net. His skating will need to continue to improve for him to push his way up NHL team draft boards.
Another power play clip for Sweden, this time with Eklund Aspe (#27 in yellow) carrying the puck into the offensive zone. Eklund Aspe uses good deception and puck handling to clear the defender at the blue line. He then gets wide to slow down and attempt a deke around the next defender. The stick sweep by the sliding defender is the only thing that prevents Eklund Aspe from having a near slot scoring chance. While this particular play doesn’t result in a shot, Eklund Aspe’s hockey sense shows that he knows how to get to the net with the puck.
Douglas Johnsson - Defender
Another offensively gifted defenceman, Johnsson was easily Sweden’s best blue liner. While on the smaller side, his athleticism in transition and the offensive zone allowed him to be effective. Once in the offensive zone, he was a fearless passer and shooter, and controlled play. Johnsson’s biggest issue is his defending. He tends to be passive and allows a bigger gap to rushing forwards than he should, especially because his reach is shorter than that of bigger defenders.
As mentioned above, Johnsson is a fearless shooter and passer. In this clip, Johnsson (#7 in yellow) tries multiple times to put the puck on net for a goal or rebound, using a variety of different shot types. Once it’s clear that the defenders are keying on his shot attempts, he makes a no-look pass to his defence partner to try a shot.
Honourable Mention: Oliver Sundberg
GERMANY
The only team to not win a game at this year’s tournament, Germany struggled to score and prevent being scored on with a goal differential of -17. Their best player, Max Calce, was unable to score at a point per game pace, and their goaltending was among the worst of the tournament. All in all, another disappointing result for Germany.
Max Calce - Forward
Calce is likely one of the only players on this German squad that will earn a selection in the first rounds of the 2027 NHL Draft. He plays a solid positional game and can use his puck handling to create chances for himself in the offensive zone. He plays with good details in his game, given that he already played in the DEL last season, and was one of the only standouts for the Germans this year.
A bit of a funky goal for Calce (#9 in white) here, but he also only scored two of them in the tournament. Calce is able to make his way to the net here by taking advantage of defender’s attempt to block the pass in the neutral zone. With the defender out of position, Calce is able to accelerate past him and take the puck to the net for the goal.
Jonas Schwarz - Forward
Schwarz was one of Germany’s other forwards of note, usually centering the second line. He’s a two-way forward that is responsible at both ends of the ice. He’s a good skater and can accelerate through the neutral zone in transition. He scored twice in the tournament, accounting for a quarter of the team’s total goal scoring.
This was one of Schwarz’s (#4 in white) better plays of the tournament. He shows good foot speed and puck handling throughout the clip as he weaves his way through all three zones on his way to the net in the offensive zone. The passive defending by Czechia helps Schwarz’s cause here, but he doesn’t gain the offensive zone without having made a few plays to get there first.
Nikita Bloch - Forward
Bloch and Schwarz took turns centering Germany’s top line and getting the chance to play with Calce. Bloch had a tendency to shoot more often than Schwarz which helped support Calce’s play driving a bit more. But Bloch was also less responsible defensively and less detail oriented than Schwarz.
Bloch (#10 in white) was only able to produce two points in the tournament but had some good looks in the offensive zone all the same. This is a good scoring chance for Germany with Bloch going wide as he enters the offensive zone to create time and space for his linemate. His patience with the puck draws the defender to him, allowing space for a pass to the shooter.
Honourable Mention: Pepe Kretzschmar