2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medal Preview: USA vs Sweden

The 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup final is here, and it features two teams that have defined the tournament in their own way. Team USA has been steady and opportunistic, while Sweden has been explosive and resilient. Their clash in Trenčín promises to be a fitting finale.

On Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 AM EDT, the United States and Sweden will face off in the gold medal round of the international ice hockey tournament at the Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium in Trencin, Slovakia. Team USA enters with a 3-1 record, while Sweden remains undefeated at 4-0, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle between two powerhouse programs. With gold on the line, expect a fast-paced, physical contest that could go down to the wire.

Where to Watch

TV Broadcast: The game will be aired live on NHL Network, which is available through most cable providers and streaming platforms.

Game Time

Sweden: Offensive Firepower

Sweden’s path to the final has been dramatic and dominant. Their comeback win over Finland—overcoming a 5–2 deficit—was powered by elite offensive talent.

• Marcus Nordmark (F) delivered a hat trick in the semifinal, including the overtime winner. His tournament-leading goal tally makes him Sweden’s most dangerous weapon.
• Ludvig Andersson (C/RW) and Max Isaksson (C) have been consistent playmakers, combining for multiple assists and zone entries.
• Hjalmar Cilthe (D) and Malte Gustafsson (D) provide stability on the back end, while Isak Holtet (C) adds speed and creativity up front.

Sweden’s roster features a mix of size and finesse, with several players already drawing attention from NHL scouts for their draft eligibility.

United States: Balanced Attack and Defensive Backbone

Team USA has shown resilience and depth throughout the tournament. Their semifinal win over Canada showcased their ability to perform under pressure, with standout performances across the roster.

• Blake Zielinski (F) has emerged as a clutch scorer, netting goals in four consecutive games. His speed and finishing ability have made him a constant threat.
• Noah Davidson (F), a WHL prospect, brings physicality and scoring touch, contributing key goals in the semifinal.
• Brady Knowling (G), standing at 6’5″, has been a wall in net, stopping 34 shots against Canada and maintaining composure in high-pressure moments.
• Jack Hextall (C) and Kalder Varga (F) have added depth scoring, while Nick Bogas (D) and Levi Harper (D) anchor a disciplined blue line.

USA’s average player height is 6’0″, with a team weight average of 185 lbs, giving them a solid physical presence on the ice.

How They Got Here

USA (2–1–0 in Group B, won Semifinal in SO)

• Beat Slovakia 6–3
• Lost to Sweden 3–5
• Beat Germany 8–1
• Semifinal: 4–3 SO vs Canada (goals: Davidson PPG; Puchner; Zielinski PPG | SO scorers: Salandra, Klepov, Zielinski)

Sweden (3–0–0 in Group B, won Semifinal in OT)

• Beat Germany 10–0
• Beat USA 5–3
• Beat Slovakia 7–0
• Semifinal: 6–5 OT vs Finland (Nordmark hat trick including the OT winner; Alex Elofsson 1G, multiple helpers)

Form & Identity

Team USA — Structured, special-teams sharp, clutch

• Five-on-five forecheck has created early momentum (e.g., Davidson opener vs CAN).
• Power play has been a weapon: Zielinski blasted a late PPG in the Semifinal; Puchner, Harper, Varga have chipped in across rounds.
• Shootout composure: Joseph Salandra, Nikita Klepov, Zielinski all buried in the Semifinal.

Team Sweden — Ruthless pace, waves of offense, never out of it

• Group play goal diff: 22–3 across three games.
• Stars driving it: Marcus Nordmark (hat trick + OT winner in Semifinal), Elton Hermansson, Bosse Meijer, Max Isaksson, Oscar Holmertz, Mikael Kim.
• Blue line puck-moving engine: Alex Elofsson (primary touches on multiple tying/winning goals).
• In goal, Milo Tjärnlund has been perfect in his appearances; Douglas Nilsson steady when called.

Head-to-Head Reminder

Sweden beat USA 5–3. The Americans led 2–0 before penalties swung momentum; Sweden scored three in 1:26 of the third to flip it.

Matchup Keys

• Discipline decides it: USA can’t afford the parade to the box that hurt them in the Preliminary Round. Sweden’s surge windows are deadly.
• Net-front battles: Sweden thrives off quick-touch seams (Elofsson to Nordmark/Hermansson). USA must close middle ice and clear second chances.
• USA PP vs. Sweden PK: Zielinski’s one-timer has been money. Sweden pressures high—can USA hit the bumper/goal line quickly?
• Sweden’s pace vs. USA’s layers: If Sweden turns this into a rush-trade, advantage Tre Kronor. If USA stacks the neutral zone and wins retrievals, it tilts back.

X-Factors

• USA: Blake Zielinski (finisher & SO ace), Noah Davidson (tone-setter), Luke Puchner (rush threat), Levi Harper (PP touch), Jack Hextall (setup man).
• Sweden: Marcus Nordmark (hottest hand), Alex Elofsson (transport and final pass), Elton Hermansson (net-front), Oscar Holmertz / Max Isaksson (secondary punch).

Game Outlook

The gold medal game at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup promises to be a high-octane showdown between two undefeated forces of international junior hockey. Team USA, known for its disciplined structure and clutch performances, will face off against Team Sweden, whose explosive offense and comeback resilience have dazzled fans throughout the tournament.

USA’s strength lies in its balanced scoring and rock-solid goaltending. With Blake Zielinski and Noah Davidson leading the charge up front, and Brady Knowling anchoring the net, the Americans have proven they can handle pressure and close out tight games.

Sweden counters with raw offensive firepower. Marcus Nordmark’s hat trick heroics and Viktor Klingsell’s tournament-leading 12 points highlight a team that thrives on speed, creativity, and relentless attack. Their dramatic comeback against Finland showcased their refusal to quit and ability to turn the tide in an instant.

Expect a fast-paced, physical battle with momentum swings and highlight-reel plays. The game could hinge on special teams and goaltending, with both squads capable of turning defense into offense in a heartbeat. With gold on the line, every shift will matter.

Prediction: A nail-biter with potential for overtime — and a game that could be remembered for years to come.

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