The 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup gets underway this week, bringing together the top U18 talent from around the world for one of the most anticipated events on the junior hockey calendar. For NHL scouts, it’s a prime opportunity to get an early look at future first-round draft picks, while fans will see future prospects representing their countries on an international stage.
The annual summer showcase has a rich history of launching future NHL stars, from Sidney Crosby to Connor Bedard. Played under IIHF rules but with a faster, more wide-open style, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup often produces high-scoring games and dramatic finishes.
The tournament, once known as the Junior World Cup, was renamed in 2004 to honour Czech hockey legend Ivan Hlinka following his tragic passing in a car accident. Hlinka’s legacy is remarkable; he captured three IIHF World Championship gold medals as a player and later guided his country to Olympic gold as head coach in 1998, cementing his place as one of the sport’s most influential figures.
Eight teams will compete this year, split into two groups:
- Group A: Canada, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland
- Group B: USA, Czechia, Finland, Germany
Each team will play a round-robin within its group before the top two advance to the semifinals. The remaining teams will compete in placement games.
Pre-Tournament Recap
Canada enters the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on a high note, dominating both of their warm-up contests. They blanked Slovakia 7–0 before cruising past Hungary 7–1 in Budapest, showing off balanced scoring, crisp puck movement, and an efficient power play. The strong pre-tournament form sets the tone for a confident push into group play.
Players to Watch
While the tournament is loaded with talent, a few names stand out heading in:
- Keaton Verhoeff (CAN) – Towering 6’4” defenseman with two-way dominance and leadership experience.
- Landon DuPont (CAN) – Dynamic 16-year-old blueliner with elite vision and puck skills.
- Tynan Lawrence (CAN) – Dangerous playmaker and finisher who excels in high-pressure situations.
- Will Skahan (USA) – Steady defender with shutdown ability and physical presence.
- Michael Misa (CAN) – Explosive forward with high-end offensive instincts.
- Czechia & Finland Forwards – Several top European scorers arrive in peak form from domestic junior leagues.
Monday, August 11 – Preliminary Round
9:30 AM EDT – Winning Group Arena (Brno, CZE)
🇨🇦 Canada vs 🇫🇮 Finland
9:30 AM EDT – Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium (Trencin, SVK)
🇸🇪 Sweden vs 🇩🇪 Germany
1:00 PM EDT – Winning Group Arena (Brno, CZE)
🇨🇭 Switzerland vs 🇨🇿 Czechia
1:00 PM EDT – Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium (Trencin, SVK)
🇺🇸 United States vs 🇸🇰 Slovakia
What’s at Stake
For the players, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is more than just a chance to wear their country’s colors — it’s a launchpad for draft stock. With NHL general managers and scouts lining the stands, every shift is an audition. For teams, early chemistry can be the difference between contending for gold and missing the medal round.
Tournament Outlook
Canada enters as the defending champion and early favorite, boasting a roster stacked with size, skill, and speed. Team USA is aiming to break Canada’s grip on the tournament, while Czechia and Finland present serious threats with deep, skilled lineups. Sweden’s balanced roster could also play spoiler, while Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany, and Hungary will look to surprise and develop future stars in the process.
The puck drops today, and if history is any indication, the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup will deliver a week of highlight-reel goals, intense rivalries, and breakout performances that fans — and scouts — will remember for years to come.
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