Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Showcasing the Future of Hockey

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup stands as one of the most prestigious and anticipated international hockey tournaments, offering fans and scouts a first look at the world’s top NHL Draft-eligible talent. Held annually each August, this invitation-only event is the only best-on-best competition at the U18 level, making it a critical early milestone on the path to the NHL Draft.

Key Details of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Event Overview:

• Event Name: Hlinka Gretzky Cup
• Level: Men’s Under-18 (U18)
• Participating Nations: Typically includes top hockey countries such as Canada, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland, United States, Switzerland, and others by invitation
• Event Date: August 11-16, 2025
• Format: Round-robin followed by semifinals and medal-round games
• Host Locations: Alternates annually between Canada (Edmonton & Red Deer, Alberta) and Europe (Břeclav, Czech Republic & Piešťany, Slovakia)

Team Composition

• Each participating country selects its best available Under-18 players (born in 2007 or later for the 2025 tournament year).
• Teams are composed of 22 players: 20 skaters (forwards and defencemen) and 2 goaltenders.
• Players are selected and managed by their respective national hockey federations, with Canada’s team operated by Hockey Canada.
• All players must be eligible for the next NHL Draft and are considered top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft.
• This is a best-on-best event, meaning players are not restricted by school, club, or league commitments.

Tournament Structure

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup follows a round-robin and elimination format.

Group Stage:

• Eight teams are split into two groups of four.
• Each team plays three round-robin games within its group.

Advancement:

• The top two teams in each group advance to the semifinals:
• 1st in Group A vs. 2nd in Group B
• 1st in Group B vs. 2nd in Group A
• Semifinal winners advance to the Gold Medal Game.
• Semifinal losers play in the Bronze Medal Game.
• Teams finishing 3rd and 4th in group play participate in placement game

Game Rules:

• All games are played on international-sized ice surfaces (60m x 30m).
• Three 20-minute periods with stop-time rules apply.
• If tied at the end of regulation in knockout rounds, games go to:
• 10-minute 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime, followed by a three-player shootout if needed.
• No overtime is played during round-robin games; ties are allowed in group play standings (dependent on host federation rules for each year).
• The tournament is officiated under IIHF rules, with some minor modifications made at the discretion of host federations.

A Legacy of Elite Competition

The tournament began in 1991 in Japan as the Phoenix Cup before evolving through names like the Pacific Cup, Nations Cup, and U-18 Junior World Cup. It became the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in 2007 to honour Czech hockey legend Ivan Hlinka, and was renamed the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2018 when Hockey Canada, the Czech and Slovak federations, and Oilers Entertainment Group partnered to bring the event to Alberta.

In honour of Wayne Gretzky and Ivan Hlinka, the tournament reflects the spirit and skill of two hockey legends while highlighting the stars of tomorrow.

Canada’s Dominance

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team has an unmatched record, capturing 24 of the 32 gold medals awarded since 1991. Canada has produced many NHL stars through this tournament and has won gold in runs of seven (1996–2002) and eight (2008–2015) consecutive years. Despite fierce international competition, Canada has medalled in nearly every tournament except for 2003, 2007, 2016, and 2021.

The NHL Draft’s First Look

What sets the Hlinka Gretzky Cup apart is its status as the first showcase for NHL Draft-eligible players in their draft year—almost 10 months before the NHL Draft itself. Unlike other U18 tournaments impacted by league playoffs or availability, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup consistently features each nation’s best available players, making it a must-watch for scouts and hockey fans alike.