Spirit’s Schmidt added to U.S. roster for Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Saginaw Spirit forward Sawyer Schmidt has been added to the United States roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup ahead of Friday’s semifinal against Slovakia in Edmonton, AB.
Schmidt joins a U.S. team that advanced to the medal round with a perfect 3-0 record in preliminary play, defeating Czechia, Finland and Germany while outscoring its opponents 18-6. The defending tournament champions will face Slovakia in Friday’s semifinal, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s gold medal game.
The 16-year-old from Buffalo, NY joined the Spirit midway through the 2025-26 season after beginning the year with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the OJHL. He recorded 27 points (7-20-27) in 33 games with the Jr. Sabres before signing with Saginaw in January.
“We’re really pleased with the year Sawyer has had in Jr. A,” Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill said when Schmidt signed with the club. “He’s really taken the opportunities he’s had and made the most of them, and we anticipate he’ll do the same thing here in Saginaw. His offensive vision has developed rapidly, and we feel it’s made him an OHL player.”
Schmidt appeared in 25 regular season games with the Spirit, recording two points (1-1-2), before skating in four playoff contests. Prior to arriving in Saginaw, he also suited up in five games with the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 team, scoring once.
Originally selected by the Spirit in the seventh round, 135th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Schmidt has represented the New York District at the USA Hockey National Player Development Camps and now receives his first opportunity to compete for the United States at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Team USA’s semifinal against Slovakia is scheduled for Friday at 2:00 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton, with the championship game set for Saturday.
