Hlinka Gretzky Cup - Day 4

Canada and Czechia secured semi final wins in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton and will face each other in Saturday's final. USA and Sweden will play for the bronze.

Canada - USA 5-1

In the semifinal of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on August 9, 2024, Canada claimed a decisive 5-1 victory over the USA at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The game showcased Canada's strong defensive play and efficient scoring, allowing them to advance to the final.

It was Canada who broke the deadlock at 15:05 with a power-play goal by Cameron Schmidt, assisted by Matthew Schaefer and Émile Guité. Despite the USA outshooting Canada 14-11 in the period, they couldn’t find the back of the net, leaving Canada with a 1-0 lead going into the second period.

Canada extended their lead early in the second period when Alex Huang scored at 23:00, capitalizing on a pass from Brady Martin to make it 2-0. The USA responded quickly, narrowing the gap to 2-1 just 35 seconds later with a goal from Sam Spehar, assisted by Sam Kappell. However, Canada regained momentum, with Cole Reschny scoring at 35:19 to restore their two-goal lead at 3-1.

The final period saw Canada maintaining control and sealing the game. Luca Romano scored into an empty net at 57:36, extending the lead to 4-1. Shortly after, with less than 15 seconds remaining, Gavin McKenna scored a power-play goal, assisted by Caleb Desnoyers and Benjamin Kindel, bringing the final score to 5-1.

Cameron Schmidt, Cole Reschny, and Luca Romano each contributed with crucial goals for Canada, while Gavin McKenna capped off the scoring. Canadian goaltender Jack Ivankovic was outstanding, making 29 saves with a save percentage of 96.55%, thwarting numerous American attempts to get back into the game. On the American side, Sam Spehar’s goal was the lone highlight in an otherwise challenging game for the USA.

Canada’s disciplined performance and effective use of special teams were key factors in their victory, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final. The USA, despite a strong effort, was unable to overcome Canada’s solid defense and timely scoring.

Czechia - Sweden 5-1

Czechia secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup semifinals. The game was marked by a strong comeback from Czechia after Sweden initially took the lead.

The game began with Sweden taking an early lead at 10:13 into the first period, thanks to a goal by Viktor Klingsell, assisted by Milton Gästrin. Despite being outshot 10-5 in the first period, Czechia remained resilient and managed to keep the score at 1-0 for Sweden as they headed into the second period.

Czechia quickly turned the game around in the second period. Adam Benak equalized for Czechia with a power-play goal at 22:30, assisted by Vit Zahejsky. Momentum continued to shift in favor of Czechia when Tomas Malinek scored at 30:30, putting them ahead 2-1, with assists from Matej Pekar and Stepan Cerny. The second period saw Czechia dominating with 10 shots to Sweden’s 5, and they extended their lead to 3-1 with another power-play goal by Vit Zahejsky, assisted by Benak and Vladimír Dravecký, at 33:23.

In the final period, Czechia maintained their control over the game. Sweden had a goal disallowed when Edie Genborg kicked the puck into the net. Vit Zahejsky scored his second goal of the game at 58:48 into an empty net, bringing the score to 4-1. Just moments later, at 59:45, Viktor Samal added another empty-net goal, assisted by Robin Svancara, sealing the final score at 5-1.

Vit Zahejsky was a standout for Czechia, contributing with two goals and one assist, while Adam Benak also played a crucial role with a goal and an assist. Ondrej Stebetak was named Man of the Match, making 19 saves with an impressive save percentage of 94.74%. On the Swedish side, Viktor Klingsell's early goal was the highlight, but the team struggled to maintain their lead as the game progressed.

Czechia’s victory propels them to the finals, leaving Sweden to compete for the bronze medal. Czechia’s ability to capitalize on power plays and their strong defensive play in the latter part of the game were key factors in their success.

Slovakia - Germany 5-2

In the fifth place match, Slovakia secured a 5-2 victory over Germany at Rogers Place. Slovakia's dominant performance was highlighted by strong offensive pressure and efficient scoring, particularly in the second and third periods.

The first period remained scoreless despite Germany outshooting Slovakia 11-6. However, Slovakia broke the deadlock early in the second period, with Adam Goljer scoring at 39:31. Slovakia extended their lead to 2-0 with a power play goal by Andreas Straka at 44:01, assisted by Ján Chovan and Michal Svrček.

Slovakia continued their momentum in the third period, with Michal Svrček and Michal Čapoš adding two more goals to make it 4-0. Germany responded quickly, narrowing the deficit to 4-2 with goals from Max Ziergiebel after a turnover and Rihards Griva assisted by his tein Gustavs. Despite their efforts, Slovakia sealed the game with an empty-net goal by Tobias Tomík at 57:55, finalizing the score at 5-2.

Slovakia's goaltender Michal Prádel played a crucial role, saving 16 of 18 shots, while Germany's Lukas Stuhrmann faced 23 shots, conceding four goals. Slovakia's disciplined play and clinical finishing secured their victory, giving them a strong finish of the tournament.

Finland - Switzerland 5-2

In the match for seventh place, Finland emerged victorious with a 5-2 win over Switzerland on August 9th at the Downtown Community Arena in Edmonton. The game was closely contested, but Finland's consistent pressure and effective scoring secured their victory.

Finland took the lead at 13:46 in the first period when Jere Somervuori scored, assisted by Atte Joki and Veeti Ruotsalainen. Switzerland quickly responded, with Mike Aeschlimann equalizing at 18:49. The first period ended 1-1, with both teams trading goals.

The second period saw Finland dominate, outshooting Switzerland 15-6. At 27:17, Matias Vanhanen put Finland ahead again, with assists from Alvar Ervasti and Atte Joki. Despite Finland's efforts, Aeschlimann managed to tie the game once more at 38:55, with an assist from Florian Schenk. However, Finland regained their momentum in the third period.

Max Westergård scored the go-ahead goal at 48:18, assisted by Jesper Kotajärvi and Aapo Vanninen. In the final minutes of the game, Atte Joki sealed the win with two late goals, one of which was an empty-netter at 59:00, bringing the final score to 5-2.

Finland's goaltender Patrik Kerkola was solid, stopping 22 of 24 shots for a save percentage of 91.67%. Despite Jovin Trachsel's strong performance in the Swiss net, making 36 saves on 40 shots, Switzerland couldn't keep up with Finland's offensive surge, ultimately finishing the tournament in eighth place. Finland's win secured them seventh place in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup standings.

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