Two Firebirds Selected For 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
EDMONTON, Alberta – Two Flint Firebirds were picked to play for their respective countries’ Under-18 national teams at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup from Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton. Forward Charlie Murata was chosen to play for Team Canada and goaltender Mason Courville was selected for Team USA.
Murata finished his rookie season in Flint with five goals and 13 assists in 59 games. He was taken eighth overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft as the Firebirds’ first-round pick. Murata is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft and committed to play NCAA hockey at Michigan State University.
This will be the second time that the Scarborough, Ontario native will represent his home country. Last fall, Murata was chosen to play for Canada Red at the 2025 U17 World Challenge. He showed out with four goals and six assists in five games, and helped his squad bring home a gold medal.
Courville, from Palmyra, Pennsylvania, was the 55th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft by Flint. In 18 games as an OHL rookie, Courville posted an 8-8-1-1 record with a 3.06 goals-against average and .893 save percentage. He represented the United States last summer in the 2025 U17 Four Nations Tournament. Courville finished with a 1-1-0 record in three starts, as his squad lost in the tournament final.
Both Canada and the United States open tournament play on Aug. 3. The United States takes on Czechia at 3 p.m. ET and Canada starts with Switzerland at 7 p.m. ET. Both matchups will air on NHL Network.
Flint opens its season on Sept. 19 in Saginaw against the Spirit. The home opener for the Firebirds is on Saturday, Sept. 26 against the Niagara IceDogs. Puck drop at the Dort Financial Center is set for 7 p.m.
Single game tickets go on sale on Aug. 25, and 2026-27 Firebirds season memberships are on sale now! Memberships start as low as $442 for the full season, and fans can reserve their seat with a $50 deposit. For more information, stop by the Dort Financial Center box office or call them at (810) 744-0580.
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