Giants sensation Schmidt fuels Canada to victory over Slovakia at Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Edmonton, Alta. – Vancouver Giants forward Cameron Schmidt played the role of hero as Canada defeated Slovakia by a 5-1 margin Tuesday night at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The 5-foot-7, 153-pound Schmidt opened the scoring for Canada 3:53 into the first period, converting on an opportunity with assists going to fellow WHL mates Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans / Calgary, Alta.) and Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / Whitehorse, Yukon).
Less than five minutes later, it was Schmidt again who found the back of the net. Making the most of a power-play opportunity, the product of Prince George, B.C. took a pass from Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL) and quickly snapped a shot five-hole past Slovakian netminder Michal Pradel for a 2-0 Canada lead.
With his two-goal performance, Schmidt was named Player of the Game for Canada.
After helping out on Schmidt’s first of the night, Smith wasn’t done. He added a secondary helper on a second period goal from Luca Romano (Kitchener Rangers, OHL) to boost his tournament point total to three (3A).
For McKenna, he enjoyed his second multipoint evening of the tournament. After assisting on Schmidt’s opening goal, the reigning WHL Rookie of the Year then set up Emile Guite (Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL) for Canada’s second power-play tally of the night midway through the third period.
The two-assist evening for McKenna boosted his tournament point total to five (1G-4A).
Though not as dominant as the effort that saw Canada rough up Switzerland by a 10-0 final score on the opening night of the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Canada still controlled the play Tuesday evening against Slovakia. The host nation outshot Slovakia by a 19-7 spread in the first period, setting the tone for the night, outshooting their opponent 44-28 when all was said and done.
Canada’s power play was once again a factor. After going 1/3 on Monday against Switzerland, Canada followed up by going 2/4 (50.0%) against Slovakia on Tuesday. Schmidt was the first to make good on the man advantage for Canada
Schmidt, who was originally selected seventh overall in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign with the Giants, recording 58 points (31G-27A) in 59 games.
Next up for Schmidt and Canada is a test against Sweden on Wednesday evening (7:30 p.m. MT) at Rogers Place.
2024 Hlinka Gretzky Schedule – Wednesday, August 7:
- 12 p.m. MT – Czechia vs. Finland
- 3:30 p.m. MT – United States vs. Germany
- 5:30 p.m. MT – Switzerland vs. Slovakia
- 7:30 p.m. MT – Sweden vs. Canada
