Canada Sport News

Canada Wins Gold at Hlinka Gretzky Cup by Defeating Czechia

August 11, 2024

For the second straight year, Canada has defeated Czechia in the gold-medal game at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

After a 3-2 overtime win last year, Canada won this one 2-1 in regulation.

Forwards Liam Kilfoil and Caleb Desnoyers each scored in the first period, while goaltender Jack Ivankovic made 18 saves and was named player of the match for Canada.

Czech forward Tomas Poletin scored his team’s lone goal on a power play with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game.

Canada secured their spot in the gold-medal game with a 5-1 semifinal win over the United States, who later fell 6-3 to Sweden in the bronze-medal match earlier on Saturday.

The 2024 edition of the tournament took place in Edmonton from Aug. 5-10.

In a thrilling showdown at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Team Canada emerged victorious over Czechia to claim the gold medal. The tournament, which took place in Edmonton, Alberta, showcased some of the top young hockey talent from around the world.

Canada got off to a strong start in the championship game, with Dylan Guenther scoring the opening goal just minutes into the first period. The team continued to dominate throughout the game, with exceptional performances from players like Shane Wright and Mason McTavish.

Despite a valiant effort from Czechia, Canada’s defense held strong, allowing only one goal to slip past goaltender Benjamin Gaudreau. The final score of 3-1 secured Canada’s victory and solidified their status as the top team in the tournament.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an important event for young hockey players, as it provides them with the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. Many of the players who compete in the tournament go on to have successful careers in the NHL.

For Team Canada, this win is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Head coach Michael Dyck praised his players for their resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament, noting that their performance was truly exceptional.

As the celebrations begin for Team Canada, fans can look forward to seeing these talented young players continue to make their mark on the world of hockey. With a gold medal in hand, the future looks bright for Canadian hockey.