Di Iorio relishes chance to shine on international stage
The Sarnia Sting’s Alessandro Di Iorio is no stranger to international hockey.
Currently with Canada at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Di Iorio has already won gold at the 2025 U18 World Championships and a silver at the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge. But this time, he’s playing on European soil.
“I’ve never been to Europe so it will be fun and a different atmosphere,” Di Iorio said. “But it’s always an honour to throw the leaf on your chest. It’s a tough team to make and one of the only best-on-best tournaments.”
Canada is 2-0-0 thus far after wins over Finland and Switzerland where Di Iorio has contributed one assist.
Canada will conclude the round-robin schedule Wednesday against Czechia. The final is set for Aug. 16 at 11am ET / 8am PT.
24 CHL players to represent Canada at 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Goaltenders:
Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) ^
Carter Esler (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)
Jason Schaubel (Kitchener Rangers / OHL)
Defencemen:
Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL) *
Cameron Chartrand (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)
Callum Croskery (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) ^
Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL)
Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL) *^
Giorgos Pantelas (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) ^
Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) *^
Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL) *^
Forwards:
Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) ^
Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL) *
Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting / OHL) *^
Colin Fitzgerald (Peterborough Petes / OHL)
Jean-Christoph Lemieux (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) ^
Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack / OHL)
Mathis Preston (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) ^
Thomas Rousseau (Sherbrooke Phoenix/ QMJHL)
Liam Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) ^
Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) ^
Cooper Williams (Saskatoon Blades / WHL)
Adam Valentini (Kitchener Rangers / OHL) ^
Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
* won gold at 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships
^ won gold at 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge
