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35 CHL players and prospects capture medals as Canada wins gold at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Matt Tidcombe — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 02:13:41 +0000

Canada’s all-CHL roster completed a perfect 5-0 tournament with an 8-1 victory over the United States; the CHL’s 35-player medal group was the largest of any development league at the event

Thirty-five players and prospects from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) reached the podium tonight at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta, as Canada captured gold, the United States earned silver and Finland claimed bronze. The CHL contingent includes all 22 members of Canada’s roster, along with 11 CHL players who represented the United States during the tournament and two who helped Finland capture bronze. Representing 26 CHL clubs, the 35-player group is the largest medal-winning contingent affiliated with any development league at the event. Canada secured its record-extending 26th summer under-18 gold medal with a commanding 8-1 victory over the United States at Rogers Place. Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue (both Regina Pats / WHL) each recorded two goals and an assist, Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) scored twice, Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL) added a goal and an assist, and captain Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL) collected four assists. Wycisk capped the scoring at 12:15 of the third period, with Kayden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) and DuPont drawing the assists. Schultz’s first-period power-play goal stood as the game-winner, while Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) backstopped the victory and allowed only one goal. The victory gave Canada its first Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal since 2024. Canada finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, outscoring its opponents 34-12 with at least six goals in every game. Canada’s CHL talent also dominated the final scoring leaderboard. Schultz (3G-7A) and Wycisk (2G-8A) shared the tournament lead with 10 points apiece, with Wycisk leading all players with eight assists. Pue, Gavin Burcar (Spokane Chiefs / WHL), and Stroeder finished one point back with nine points, while Pue’s six goals led all players. The tournament’s final top 10 consisted entirely of CHL players and prospects, including seven members of Canada’s gold-medal-winning team. Tomáš Selič (Flint Firebirds / OHL) and DuPont each finished with eight points, while Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL), Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion / OHL) and Alessandro Domenichelli (Portland Winterhawks / WHL) recorded seven apiece. Earlier Saturday, Finland erased a 2-0 deficit to earn bronze with a 3-2 victory over Slovakia. Paavo Fugleberg (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) scored Finland’s first goal, while London Knights forward Luca Santala tied the game 34 seconds into the third period. Fugleberg and Santala then assisted on the power-play winner, meaning they factored into all three Finnish goals and each finished the bronze medal game with a goal and an assist. Both recorded six points during the tournament. The 35-player medal group includes 15 from the OHL, 13 from the WHL and seven from the QMJHL. Canada’s 22-player roster spans 18 clubs, while the United States’ 11 CHL players come from 11 clubs. Finland’s two medallists are London Knights forward Santala and Moncton Wildcats prospect Fugleberg. Across all eight participating countries, 57 CHL players and prospects competed at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, representing 34 of the CHL’s 61 member clubs. The total increased from the 56 originally announced after Saginaw Spirit (OHL) forward Sawyer Schmidt joined the United States as an injury replacement for Penticton Vees (WHL) forward Brooks DeMars. DeMars appeared in all three preliminary-round games before Schmidt made his tournament debut in Friday’s semifinal victory over Slovakia. Among the 57 CHL players and prospects who participated, the WHL accounted for 23, the OHL for 22 and the QMJHL for 12. Thirty-one played at least one CHL regular-season game in 2025–26, while at least 42 are expected to compete in the CHL in 2026–27—17 in the WHL, 18 in the OHL and seven in the QMJHL—the largest contingent of any development league represented at the tournament. The CHL was also the only development league represented on all eight national teams. Canada led all countries with 22 CHL players, followed by Czechia with 12 and the United States with 11. Slovakia featured four, Germany had three, Finland and Sweden each had two, and Switzerland had one. Canada’s gold-medal roster was composed entirely of CHL players—nine from the WHL, eight from the OHL and five from the QMJHL—representing 18 clubs across the CHL’s Member Leagues. Nineteen of the 22 were first-round selections in their respective CHL Member League drafts, including 16 top-10 picks. Captain DuPont and alternate captains Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) and Schultz were each selected first overall in a CHL Member League draft. Canada’s gold-medal run was also supported by a staff drawn from across the CHL. Twelve members of the team’s management, coaching and support staff represented 12 CHL clubs across all three Member Leagues, including assistant general manager Yanick Lemay (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) and the entire six-member coaching staff led by Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL). CHL personnel also filled key equipment, athletic therapy and medical roles, extending the league’s contribution to Canada’s victory well beyond its all-CHL playing roster. Eleven CHL players represented the United States over the course of the tournament—six from the OHL, four from the WHL and one from the QMJHL. The tournament offered an early best-on-best showcase for the 2027 NHL Draft class, with 44 of the 57 CHL players and prospects eligible to be selected next June. At the 2026 NHL Draft, 22 of the 51 players selected after competing at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup—or 43 per cent—were CHL-developed. Overall, 106 CHL-developed players were chosen in 2026, more than any development league worldwide, including 16 of the 32 first-round selections. For final schedules, scores, rosters and statistics, visit HlinkaGretzkyCup.ca. QUICK FACTS

CHL players and prospects accounted for 23 of the 24 individual scoring points recorded in the gold medal game, including all eight Canadian goals and both assists on the United States’ lone tally.
The 35-player medal group included 23 forwards, eight defencemen and four goaltenders.
Seven CHL clubs had a tournament-high three participants: the Brantford Bulldogs, Edmonton Oil Kings, Flint Firebirds, Kingston Frontenacs, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Newfoundland Regiment and Saint John Sea Dogs.
Kingston was the only club whose three participants all reached the podium, with Matt Henderson and Aleks Kulemin winning gold for Canada and Nolan Snyder earning silver with the United States.
Twenty-three of the 35 CHL players and prospects representing countries other than Canada were selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, including 14 first-round picks; nine had signed Scholarship and Development Agreements as of Aug. 8.
Canada’s 12 CHL-affiliated staff members represented 12 different clubs: five from the QMJHL, four from the WHL and three from the OHL.

57 CHL players and prospects participated at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup An asterisk (*) denotes a player selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft who had not signed a Scholarship and Development Agreement as of Aug. 8. GOLD – Canada (22) (G) Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL) (G) Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) (D) Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) (D) Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL) (D) Matt Henderson (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) (D) Malik L’Italien (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) (D) Cooper McAslan (London Knights / OHL) (D) Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) (D) Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / WHL) (F) Brock Chitaroni (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) (F) Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs / OHL) (F) Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) (F) Ben Harvey (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) (F) Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) (F) Aleks Kulemin (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) (F) Charlie Murata (Flint Firebirds / OHL) (F) Liam Pue (Regina Pats / WHL) (F) Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / WHL) (F) Kayden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) (F) Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) (F) Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion / OHL) (F) Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL) STAFF WITH GOLD-MEDAL-WINNING CANADA (12) Assistant general manager Yanick Lemay (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) Head coach Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL) Assistant coach Ryan McDonald (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) Assistant coach Brad MacKenzie (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) Assistant coach Kyle Chipchura (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) Goaltending coach Jeff Harvey (Saskatoon Blades / WHL) Video coach Matthew Smith (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) Head equipment manager Andrew MacNeill (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL) Equipment manager J.R. Grant (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) Head athletic therapist Colton Reiley (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL) Athletic therapist Taylor Cochrane (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) Team physician Dr. Danielle Kelton (London Knights / OHL) SILVER – United States (11) (G) Mason Courville (Flint Firebirds / OHL) (G) Kaeden Tate (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) (D) Cameron Minella (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) (F) Ty Bergeron (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) (F) Gavin Burcar (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) (F) Brooks DeMars (Penticton Vees / WHL) (F) Gerry DiCunzolo (Peterborough Petes / OHL) (F) Colin Grubb (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) (F) Sawyer Schmidt (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) (F) Nolan Snyder (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) (F) Michael Tang (Niagara IceDogs / OHL) BRONZE – Finland (2) (F) Paavo Fugleberg (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)* (F) Luca Santala (London Knights / OHL) Czechia (12) (D) Dominick Radim Byrtus (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) (D) Jiří Gombár (Kitchener Rangers / OHL) (D) Lukáš Kachlíř (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)* (F) Dario Blengino (Everett Silvertips / WHL) (F) Matyáš Čančík (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) (F) Michal Hartl (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL)* (F) Petr Hörnig (Kelowna Rockets / WHL)* (F) Melichar Kovář (Soo Greyhounds / OHL)* (F) Maxmilián Mareš (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL)* (F) Adam Němec (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL) (F) Jonáš Vaníček (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) (F) Oliver Vaňha (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) Germany (3) (F) Nikita Bloch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL)* (F) Max Calce (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)* (F) Jonas Schwarz (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)* Slovakia (4) (D) Oliver Botka (Vancouver Giants / WHL)* (F) Max Melicherik (Portland Winterhawks / WHL)* (F) Oliver Ozogány (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)* (F) Tomáš Selič (Flint Firebirds / OHL)* Sweden (2) (G) Vilmer Salén Forsberg (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL) (F) Benjamin Nyström (Kitchener Rangers / OHL)* Switzerland (1) (F) Alessandro Domenichelli (Portland Winterhawks / WHL)

2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup daily – Aug. 8

Matt Tidcombe — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:20:48 +0000

Canada and USA will meet in the final of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Saturday. Day 4 results (Aug. 7 2026) USA 5-2 Slovakia Canada 6-3 Finland Switzerland 5-1 Czechia About yesterday: Spokane's Gavin Burcar continued his impressive tournament as he had four points (1G/3A) as the USA beat Slovakia 5-2 to reach the gold medal game. Brandon's Colin Grubb also added an assist in the win as the Americans will now have a chance to defend their title from a year ago. Canada returned to the final of the tourament for the first time since 2024 after they doubled up Finland 6-3. Newfoundland's Benjamin Veitch (2G/2A), Guelph's Jaakko Wycisk (1G/3A) and Edmonton's Kayden Stroeder (1G/1A) combined for 10 points while Everett's Landon DuPont and Halifax's Malik L'Italien also scored. Lethbridge's Leif Oaten made 24 saves in the win. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2085899221727945166 Portland's Alessandro Domenichelli had three more points (1G/2A) to power Switzerland to a 5-1 victory over Czechia and in the process, secured fifth place for the Swiss. Edmonton prospect Lukas Kachlir scored in defeat for the Czechs. Day 5 schedule (Aug. 8 2026) Finland vs. Slovakia - 2pm ET / 12pm MT Germany vs. Sweden – 4pm ET / 2pm MT Canada vs. USA – 7pm ET / 5pm MT Where to watch The bronze medal game between Finland and Slovakia is live on TSN4 as is the gold medal contest between Canada and the USA.

Saginaw’s Schmidt jumps into USA line-up in Hlinka Gretzky Cup semi-final win

Matt Tidcombe — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:49:02 +0000

Just yesterday, Sawyer Schmidt was at home in Buffalo and continuing preparation for the upcoming OHL season with Saginaw. Twenty-four hours later, he was helping the USA reach the final of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. "It's a tremendous honour," Schmidt said. "I had no idea, I wasn't expecting it but I'm ready for it and to represent Saginaw and everyone [like] my family and the USA." After he got the call, the 16-year-old hopped across the border and drove to Toronto where he caught a flight to Edmonton to link up with his teammates. Schmidt was part of the USA's training camp for the tournament but didn't initially make the roster. He said he had no inclination he was on a stand-by list in case a call-up was needed. "Putting the jersey on, it's more than yourself; it's the whole country," Schmidt said. "It's like no other." Having spent time with the roster in camp, there was a level of familiarity but nevertheless, Schmidt was parachuted into the USA's biggest game of the tournament where they beat Slovakia 5-2 to reach the gold medal game for the second straight year. "The guys, the coaches ... they made it easy on me. It's a great group of guys, they really picked me up and helped me out on the ice." Schmidt's rookie season in Sagianw saw him make 25 appearances where he had two points (1G/1A). He also played four playoff games but is excited to help the Spirit go on a deeper run next season and play in a number of scenarios. "It's a great organization and I am glad to be a part of it," he said. "We'll be a real good team next year so I am excited." The USA will play either Canada or Finland for gold Saturday at 7pm ET / 5pm MT.

Canada completes perfect round-robin at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:27:55 +0000

Photo credit: Andy Devlin / Hockey Canada Images Goal one has been achieved by Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. A perfect 3-0 round-robin saw Canada top Group A in Edmonton and in the process, set up a semi-final clash with Finland Friday. "The job's not finished but we've been playing really well," said Regina's Maddox Schultz. "It feels good to beat some teams that had some high hopes coming into this tournament." Canada beat Switzerland 7-3, Slovakia 6-1 and Sweden 7-4 across three straight days to top the pool. Their 20 goals were the most among the eight participating teams. "Every game you want to get a little bit better and I think we have done that," said head coach Ryan Oulahen, who holds the same position in North Bay. "The first checkmark is done and now we have a big challenge [Friday]." Finland finished second in Group B - behind the 3-0 USA - after they collected a pair of wins over Germany (5-2) and Czechia (5-4), the latter of which confirmed their spot in the final four. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2085431677690777642 "We saw a bit of them in the U17's," said Flint's Charlie Murata. "They are a skilled European team. They like to move the puck and like possession in the offensive zone with the puck. "It's going to ramp up," Oulahen added. "It's a semi-final but the one thing that does impress us with them is the way they can possess the puck. they have some really good offensive players." But one thing is certain, Canada are primarily focused on themselves. At the end of the day, they control their own destiny and if they are going to play for a 26th Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal on Saturday, they will once again have to get a little bit better. "Ultimately we want to focus on ourselves," Oulahen said. "I think in this quick tournament, we check our boxes first [but] it's going to be a good challenge."

For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, click here. Canada’s roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Goaltenders (2) Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL) Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) Defencemen (7) Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL) Matt Henderson (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) Malik L’Italien (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) Cooper McAslan (London Knights / OHL) Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / WHL) Forwards (13) Brock Chitaroni (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs / OHL) Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) Ben Harvey (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) Aleks Kulemin (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) Charlie Murata (Flint Firebirds / OHL) Liam Pue (Regina Pats / WHL) Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / WHL) Kayden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion / OHL) Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL)

Nissan Canada Becomes Official Partner of the CHL, WHL, OHL and QMJHL

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:02:58 +0000

New multi-year partnership spans marquee CHL events and key WHL, OHL and QMJHL properties, connecting Nissan with hockey communities across Canada through local dealer engagement

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today a new multi-year partnership with Nissan Canada, which becomes an Official Partner of the CHL and its Member Leagues — the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Through the partnership, Nissan and its dealer network will work alongside teams across the CHL to support hockey communities nationwide in Canada through local activations, community events and fan experiences. With dealers operating in Canadian markets that are home to WHL, OHL and QMJHL teams, the partnership will create new opportunities to engage fans and support the communities where the game is played, celebrated and shared. “We are proud to welcome Nissan Canada as an Official Partner of the CHL and our Member Leagues,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “With Nissan dealers serving many of the markets our teams call home, this partnership combines the national reach of our marquee events and key WHL, OHL and QMJHL properties with meaningful local engagement. Our goal is to build a partnership that resonates as strongly within those communities as it does on the national stage.” Throughout the multi-year partnership, Nissan will have a presence at the CHL’s marquee annual events: the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and the Memorial Cup presented by Kubota. The upcoming 2026 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, featuring top 2027 NHL Draft prospects from the CHL and the U.S. National Under-18 Team, will be held December 1 in Chicoutimi, Que., and December 2 in Québec City. The 2027 Memorial Cup, which will crown the CHL champion, will be hosted by the Guelph Storm in Guelph, Ont., from May 20–30. At the Member League level, Nissan will serve as presenting sponsor of the WHL Prospects Draft and QMJHL Opening Week and as title sponsor of the OHL Playoffs, while supporting other programs and events throughout the partnership. Beyond these national and league properties, Nissan will help advance a range of initiatives over the course of the partnership, including dealer-led activations, youth hockey experiences and fan engagement programs. Participating dealers will have opportunities to work alongside local WHL, OHL and QMJHL teams to deliver community-based programming in markets across Canada. “Hockey has long been Canada’s game, bringing people together and creating lasting connections in communities across the country,” said Kristina Herder, Director, Marketing Communications, Nissan Canada. “This partnership is more than a sponsorship. It’s about showing up in those communities, supporting the next generation of players and fans, and creating meaningful experiences that bring people together through the game.” By bringing together the CHL, the WHL, OHL and QMJHL, and Nissan’s dealer network across Canada, the partnership creates new opportunities to engage fans, support local hockey initiatives and celebrate the game at both the local and national levels. Further details on activations and community programming will be announced throughout the season. For more information about Nissan Canada’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan.ca. Follow Nissan Canada on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn, and watch its latest videos on YouTube. About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league, featuring 52 Canadian and nine American teams across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) than any other league, while supporting student-athletes through a significant investment in education and scholarship programs. Each year, nearly 1,000 CHL graduates receive support through WHL, OHL, and QMJHL scholarship programs, with CHL clubs investing nearly $10 million annually in player education and scholarship support. During the 2025–26 NHL season, more than 475 CHL alumni were among the 1,033-plus players to appear in at least one game. At the 2026 NHL Draft, 106 CHL-developed players were selected—the most of any development league worldwide and the CHL’s highest total since 2010—including 16 first-round picks. For more information, please visit chl.ca. About Nissan Canada Inc. Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. NCI was the first Japanese-based automaker to incorporate in Canada in 1965, and now directly employs 306 full-time staff across offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC). There are 210 independent Nissan dealerships, including 87 that also act as Nissan Commercial Vehicles dealers, 136 electric vehicle-certified dealers, and 39 INFINITI retailers across Canada.

2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup daily – Aug. 6

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:00:18 +0000

The round-robin wrapped up from Edmonton Wednesday as Canada, Finland, USA and Slovakia secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Day 3 results (Aug. 5 2026) Slovakia 6-2 Switzerland Finland 5-4 Czechia Canada 7-4 Sweden USA 8-1 Germany About yesterday: Slovakia took care of business against Switzerland in a game they had to win to keep their semi-final hopes alive with a 6-2 decision. Flint prospect Tomas Selic was outstanding as he had four goals and six points in the win to carry Slovakia to a final four berth. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2085121274687418873 Finland booked their spot in the semi-finals for the second straight year after a 5-4 win over Czechia. London's Luca Santala and Moncton prospect Paavo Fugleberg each had a goal and an assist in the win. For Czechia, Rimouski's Maxmilian Mares scored twice while Kitchener's Jiri Gombar scored his second goal of the tournament. Canada made it three wins from three as they defeated Sweden 7-4. Edmonton's Kayden Stroeder and Regina's Maddox Schultz each had a goal and two assists while Newfoundland's Benjamin Veitch, Prince Albert's Brock Cripps, Regina's Liam Pue, Niagara's Ryerson Edgar and Saint John's Alexis Joseph also scored. Lethbridge's Leif Oaten made 23 saves as Guelph's Jaakoo Wycisk had two assists. For Sweden, Kitchener prospect Benjamin Nystrom had two goals. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2085150005653082546 In the final game of the round-robin, the USA cruised past Germany 8-1 to move to 3-0. Peterborough's Gerry DiCunzolo had three points (1G/2A), Brandon's Colin Grubb had a goal and an assist and Spokane's Gavin Burcar scored. Day 4 schedule (Aug. 7 2026) USA vs. Slovakia - 2pm ET / 12pm MT Canada vs. Finland - 7pm ET / 5pm MT Switzerland vs. Czechia - 9pm ET / 7pm MT CHL leading scorers:

Name	Country	CHL club
Tomas Selic	Slovakia	Flint Firebirds (OHL)*
Maddox Schultz	Canada	Regina Pats (WHL)
Liam Pue	Canada	Regina Pats (WHL)
Kayden Schroeder	Canada	Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Maxmilian Mares	Czechia	Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Gerry DiCunzolo	USA	Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Ryerson Edgar	Canada	Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Lukas Kachlir	Czechia	Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)*

* Selected in CHL Import Draft but unsigned

Oil Kings’ Stroeder thrilled to lift Canada to victory on home ice

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:26:00 +0000

Everything at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is familiar this week for Kayden Stroeder. The rink. The dressing room. And perhaps most importantly that includes the goal horn. On Tuesday, the Edmonton Oil Kings forward set it off himself twice with a pair of goals as Canada beat Slovakia 6-1 at Rogers Place. "Obviously I'm a little familiar with the goal horn here," Stroeder said post-game with a smile. "It's cool to be back home as I like to call it." His first of the game came on the power play at 9:48 of the second as he converted Ryerson Edgar's cross-ice entry pass before his second came 3:44 into the third as he buried Landon DuPont's feed down low. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2084810517609410717 "We stuck to our structure," Stroeder said after Canada secured its second straight win. "We're a really strong team that has a lot of weapons to use so if we play our game like that every game I don't think we'll have many issues." The fifth overall pick in the 2024 WHL Draft, Stroeder had the benefit of getting 16 games under his belt as a 15-year-old in 2024-25. Last year he parlayed that headstart into a 13-goal, 32-point campaign with the Oil Kings and this year will be relied upon even more. "They've done a ton for me," Stroeder said of the Oil Kings. "Letting me play a ton of games as a 15-year-old and even last year playing lots. The guys, the coaches, it's been unbelievable and our development plan there is next to none." The Hlinka - as always - also officially kicks off the NHL Draft season where no doubt many will be following Stroeder this year. He'll definitely have his suitors but don't think he's giving it much thought. "I just play hockey because I love the game," he said. "That's my goal every single day. If the draft happens and things go well for me then that's a plus. I just want to play hockey." For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, click here. Canada’s roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Goaltenders (2) Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL) Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) Defencemen (7) Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL) Matt Henderson (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) Malik L’Italien (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) Cooper McAslan (London Knights / OHL) Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / WHL) Forwards (13) Brock Chitaroni (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs / OHL) Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) Ben Harvey (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) Aleks Kulemin (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) Charlie Murata (Flint Firebirds / OHL) Liam Pue (Regina Pats / WHL) Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / WHL) Kayden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion / OHL) Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL)

Czechia’s Mares excited to join Oceanic

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:57:00 +0000

Photo credit: Andy Devlin / Hockey Canada Images A big addition is coming to the Rimouski Oceanic. Literally. Czechia forward Maxmilian Mares won't be difficult for the Oceanic faithful to pick out on a nightly basis with a 6'6" and 225-lb frame. "Next week I fly to Rimouski and I'm very glad I was drafted by Rimouski," Mares said from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. "I can't wait to see all the players, the coaches and the city." The Oceanic made Mares the fifth overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft where he is set to join a long line of Czech players to play for the franchise. Previously 16 Czech players have suited up for Rimouski including Michal Sersen who was the first overall selection in 2003. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2084723127704256859 Ahead of his arrival next week, Mares has spoken to general manager Danny Dupont and has also been in touch with a few players. The Ostrava native will look to lead a Rimouski attack that will also feature Mathys Dube and Thomas Belzile. Max Brien - the 10th overall pick in the 2026 QMJHL Draft - is also poised for his rookie season in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. "I'm powerful, I like to play hard and physical," Mares said. "I like skating and to be in front of the net." Mares has already made his impact known this week in Edmonton where in two games, he has four points. On Tuesday in an 8-3 win over Germany, he scored his first goal of the tournament as part of a three-point outing. "It's always a pleasure to represent Czechia on a big stage like this. I'm very happy to be here." For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, click here.

2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup daily – Aug. 5

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:31:15 +0000

Photo credit: Andy Devlin / Hockey Canada Images The second day of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup saw Canada win its second straight after a 6-1 decision over Slovakia in Edmonton. Day 2 results (Aug. 4 2026) Czechia 8-3 Germany Switzerland 7-6 Sweden Canada 6-1 Slovakia USA 4-1 Finland About yesterday: Czechia collected its first win of the tournament after an emphatic 8-3 decision over Germany. Maxmilian Mares - the fifth overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft by Rimouski - led the way with three points (1G/2A) while Kelowna prospect Petr Hornig had a pair of goals. Edmonton's incoming forward Jonas Vanicek also scored as did Chicoutimi prospect Michal Hartl and Lethbridge prospect Oliver Vanha. In defeat, a pair of prospects in Jonas Schwarz (Spokane) and Max Calce (Brantford). Switzerland stunned Sweden 7-6 with just two seconds left in regulation to collect its first win of the competition. Portland's Alessandro Domenichelli was instrumental in the win with a goal and an assist for the Swiss. As for Sweden, Kitchener prospect Benjamin Nystrom had an assist while Brantford's Vilmer Salen Forsberg stopped 42 shots. Canada made it two wins from two after a comfortable 6-1 victory over Slovakia. Edmonton's Kayden Stroeder had a pair of goals while Everett's Landon DuPont, Niagara's Ryerson Edgar, North Bay's Camryn Warren and Regina's Liam Pue all had a goal and an assist. In his first start of the tournament, Lethbridge's Leif Oaten made 12 saves. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2084813764529205606 In the final game of the day, the USA collected its second consecutive win after a 4-1 victory against Finland. Peterborough's Gerry DiCunzolo and Niagara's Michael Tang each had an assist. Day 3 schedule (Aug. 5 2026) Switzerland vs. Slovakia - 3pm ET / 1pm PT Czechia vs. Finland – 5pm ET / 3pm MT Canada vs. Sweden – 7pm ET / 5pm MT USA vs. Germany – 9pm ET / 7pm MT The day ahead: In Group A a Switzerland win of any kind would see them reach the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time since 2003. If they lose in overtime to Slovakia - who themselves must win to remain in contention - they need Canada to get a point against Sweden to advance. As for Canada, they have already won the group. Sweden must beat Canada and hope Slovakia defeats Switzerland to reach the final four. In Group B, things are a lot clearer. The winner of Czechia versus Finland will advance to face Canada while the USA - who alongside Canada are the only 2-0-0 teams left - have already won the Group and will battle the runner-up in Group A. Where to watch All of Canada’s games can be seen live on TSN while a complete tournament schedule can be found here.

Canada’s top line makes immediate impact in Hlinka Gretzky Cup opener

Matt Tidcombe — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:47:53 +0000

Photo credit: Andy Devlin / Hockey Canada Images It couldn't have been a more perfect start to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Canada's top line. The Regina Pats due of Liam Pue and Maddox Schultz - alongside the North Bay Battalion's Camryn Warren - combined for three goals and five points as part of a 7-3 win over Switzerland Monday. "It's unbelievable. You want to get in the right spots because they are in the right spots for you," Warren said. "You're trying to find them all over the ice but honestly work off of each as they're great players." Of course, Pue and Schultz have existing chemistry. The only two 16-year-old's on the Canadian roster, the duo had a long taste of WHL action this past season where they each played 34 games. Schultz had 15 goals and 29 points while Pue added 16 points (six goals). Schultz was the first overall pick in the 2025 WHL Draft while Pue was selected at no. 3. "It's pretty special [to play with him]," Pue said of Schultz. "To play with him during the season in Regina, then the U17's and now here, it's pretty amazing. "For us to get those 34 games, it will help us going into next year. Getting use to the WHL style of play was huge for us and I'm super excited for next season." https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2084429665683562739 Trailing 2-1 early in the first, Schultz found Pue in the slot with a backhand pass off the boards before the latter went up-high to open his account. Warren would give Canada a 3-2 lead when he took a cross-ice feed from London d-man Cooper McAslan when he lifted the puck over the diving Swiss netminder. Pue had his second of the game at 14:48 of the period to close out a five-goal first for Canada when off a Schultz faceoff win, Warren tapped the puck back to Pue who fired a wrister immediately on net from the right dot. "After we settled into the game we found some chemistry, little more zone time and found a way to bury a couple," Warren said. Canada is back in action tonight when they face Slovakia at 7pm ET / 5pm MT live on TSN 1/2/4. For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, click here. Canada’s roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Goaltenders (2) Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL) Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL) Defencemen (7) Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL) Matt Henderson (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) Malik L’Italien (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) Cooper McAslan (London Knights / OHL) Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / WHL) Forwards (13) Brock Chitaroni (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs / OHL) Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) Ben Harvey (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) Aleks Kulemin (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) Charlie Murata (Flint Firebirds / OHL) Liam Pue (Regina Pats / WHL) Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / WHL) Kayden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion / OHL) Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL)