Oil Kings defenceman Fiddler named to Team USA for 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Colorado Springs, Colo. – Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman Blake Fiddler has been named to the under-18 men’s roster that will represent the United States at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton.
USA Hockey announced the 23-player roster Tuesday morning.
Fiddler, 17, who hails from Frisco, Texas, was the first-overall selection of the Oil Kings in the 2022 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. He made his WHL debut during the 2023-24 campaign, skating in 63 games, tallying 15 points (5G-10A) along the way.
The 6-foot-3, 193-pound right-shot defenceman made his commitment to the WHL on May 24, 2022, a mere five days after hearing his name called in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft.
For Fiddler, choosing the WHL for the next step in his development has paid dividends thus far, as he has seen ample opportunity to log key minutes in the WHL as well as to compete on the international stage as a dual Canadian-U.S. citizen.
In August 2022, he represented the United States, serving as captain for the nation’s U-17 Select Team for the Five Nations Tournament. Led by Fiddler, Team USA went 3-1-0 at the event, knocking off Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany, with their only loss coming at the hands of Czechia.
In November 2023, he represented Canada White at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, skating in eight games and helping his squad to a gold medal victory over the United States.
Now, as he enters his NHL Draft year, Fiddler has opted to don the stars and stripes ahead of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in hopes of helping the United States to a medal.
Prior to joining the Oil Kings, Fiddler was an impact player for the Dallas Stars Elite U14 and 16 clubs.
He is the son of 14-year NHL veteran and WHL alumnus Vernon Fiddler, who spent three full seasons with the Kelowna Rockets (1997-98 to 1999-00) before rounding out his WHL career with the Medicine Hat Tigers (2000-01).
The 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup is being hosted from August 5-10 at Rogers Arena and the Downtown Community Arena in Edmonton – home of the WHL’s Oil Kings.
Fiddler and Team USA will open the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Monday, August 5 when they face Czechia at 3:30 p.m. MT.
Team USA will compete in Group B alongside Czechia, Finland, and Germany. Group A competition will feature Canada, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Team USA has finished in the top three of the Hlinka tournament 14 times since it was established in 1991.
Fans in the United States can watch Team USA’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup games live on NHL Network. Those in Canada can watch the entire schedule of games for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on TSN. Check your local listings for complete details.
