Canada vs USA Hockey: Olympic Orientation Camps Set Stage for Milan 2026 Gold Medal Showdown

CALGARY — The stage is set for one of the most anticipated Olympic hockey showdowns in decades.

With NHL players returning to the Games for the first time since 2014, both Canada and the United States are building rosters that could define a generation. Their orientation camps this month — USA in Plymouth, Michigan, and Canada in Calgary — revealed not just depth charts, but bold declarations about what’s at stake.

For Team USA, the message was crystal clear.
“The expectation is to go to Milan and win the gold medal,” Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel said. “Anything short of that would be disappointing.”

Head coach Mike Sullivan doubled down. “We feel like the United States is at the pinnacle of the sport. We feel like we are every bit as good, if not better, than any country. These events give us the opportunity to prove it.”

The Americans haven’t touched Olympic gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” But hockey in the U.S. has grown massively in the decades since. Participation has tripled, and a roster led by Eichel, Auston Matthews, Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes is proof of a system that now churns out elite talent.

Meanwhile, north of the border, Canada flexed its own muscle. Hockey Canada’s orientation camp brought together a mix of legends and rising stars. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon headline the forwards, while 18-year-old phenoms Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini represent the future. On defense, Cale Makar, Drew Doughty and Josh Morrissey add world-class skill on the back end.

“The depth is unmatched,” one Hockey Canada official said. “We believe we’re building a team that can defend Canada’s tradition of success at the Olympics.”

That tradition is heavy with hardware. Canada has won three of the five Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players: Salt Lake City in 2002, Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014. The only misstep came in 2006 at Turin, where Canada stumbled to seventh place.

The contrast between the two programs is striking. Canada arrives with proven winners — players with multiple Cups and gold medals. The U.S. brings hunger and belief that its time has finally come. General manager Bill Guerin still bristles at February’s overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“That was emotional. That was hard,” Guerin said. “We can’t just sit here and say, ‘Hey, great job, it was close.’ That’s not good enough. We have to figure out a way to get over the hump.”

For Vancouver captain Quinn Hughes, the goal is non-negotiable.
“USA Hockey has put so much work in with youth programs and development. I feel like they’re starting to see dividends,” Hughes said. “It’s kind of gold or nothing, personally.”

The Olympics in Milan are still months away, but the tone has already been set. Canada vs. USA isn’t just about bragging rights this time. It’s about legacies. One country will leave with validation. The other, with bitter disappointment.

Canada Explodes for 8 in Third to Rout Switzerland 9–1

BRNO, Czechia — Team Canada erupted for eight third-period goals en route to a dominant 9–1 win over Switzerland in Group A action at the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup at Winning Group Arena.

After a scoreless opening frame that saw Canada kill three penalties, Dimian Zhilkin (Windsor, ON) opened the scoring on the power play just eight seconds into the second period, assisted by Landon DuPont (Calgary, AB) and Ethan Belchetz (Oakville, ON). That 1–0 margin held through 40 minutes as Swiss goaltender Yannis Zambelli turned aside numerous Canadian chances.

The floodgates opened in the third period. Mathis Preston (Penticton, BC) made it 2–0 at 6:18 from Markus Ruck (Osoyoos, BC). Just 20 seconds later, Zhilkin struck again, assisted by Pierce Mbuyi (Mississauga, ON) and Tynan Lawrence (Fredericton, NB). Adam Valentini (Toronto, ON) extended the lead to 4–0 at 7:02 from Thomas Rousseau (Saint-Eustache, QC), before Preston netted his second of the period at 8:40 from Liam Ruck (Osoyoos, BC) and Ryan Lin (Richmond, BC).

Switzerland broke Carter Esler’s (Okotoks, AB) shutout bid at 13:14 when Yanis Lutz scored from Thierry Berger. Canada answered quickly — Preston completed his hat trick at 13:59 from Markus Ruck, Valentini added his second at 15:04 from Daxon Rudolph (St. Albert, AB) and Rousseau, and Belchetz scored at 17:32 from Alessandro Di Iorio (Vaughn, ON) and Colin Fitzgerald (Peterborough, ON). Lin capped the scoring at 19:26 from Rousseau.

Esler stopped 14 of 15 shots for a .933 save percentage. Zambelli made 35 saves on 44 shots (.795) and was named Switzerland’s Player of the Game. Preston earned the honour for Canada with three goals and one assist. Rousseau finished with three assists, while Zhilkin and Valentini each scored twice.

Day 2 Tournament Results:
Sweden 5–3 United States (Trencin)
Germany vs. Slovakia – later today in Trencin
Czechia vs. Finland – later today in Brno

Standings Update:
Canada improves to 2–0 (6 points) to lead Group A. Sweden moves to 2–0 atop Group B.

Next Game:
Canada will face Czechia on Wednesday, August 13, at 12:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. MT in Brno to close out the preliminary round. Playoffs begin Friday, August 15, with the gold medal game set for Saturday, August 16.

Provectus Media will provide daily Canada-first coverage throughout the tournament from Brno.

Canada Tops Finland 5–3 in Hlinka-Gretzky Cup Opener

BRNO, Czechia – Team Canada’s Under-18 squad began their 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup campaign with a 5–3 victory over Finland in a tightly contested opening game at the Winning Group Arena.

Beckham Edwards (Komoka, ON) opened the scoring just 58 seconds into the first period, assisted by Mathis Preston (Penticton, BC) and Ryan Lin (Richmond, BC). Captain Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan, AB) doubled Canada’s lead midway through the period with help from Ethan Belchetz (Oakville, ON) and Tynan Lawrence (Fredericton, NB).

Finland responded with two late goals from Oscar Hemming and Jiko Laitinen to level the score at 2–2 by the first intermission.

With the second period winding down, Ryan Lin broke the deadlock, scoring with just eight seconds remaining off a feed from Adam Valentini (Toronto, ON) and Belchetz. Early in the third period, Dimian Zhilkin (Windsor, ON) extended Canada’s lead to 4–2, assisted by Verhoeff and Belchetz. Finland’s Vilho Vanhatalo pulled the score back to 4–3, but Belchetz secured the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute.

Goaltender Gavin Betts (Toronto, ON) stopped 23 of 26 shots to earn the win.

Day 1 Tournament Results:

• Czechia 6–2 Switzerland

• Sweden 10–0 Germany

• United States 6–3 Slovakia

Next Game:
Canada will face Switzerland on Tuesday, August 12, at 9:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. MT in Brno.

The Hlinka-Gretzky Cup has long been a proving ground for future NHL stars, with alumni including Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor Bedard. This year’s roster features promising talent aiming to make their mark on the international stage.

Provectus Media will provide daily Canada-first coverage throughout the tournament, including game recaps, player features, and analysis from Brno.

Follow along at provectusmedia.ca for complete coverage of Team Canada at the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

Canada Cruises Past Hungary in Hlinka Gretzky Cup Tune-Up

BUDAPEST — Team Canada opened its 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup campaign with a dominant 7–1 win over Hungary in pre-tournament action Thursday at MET Arena.

Canada exploded out of the gate, scoring four times in the opening frame and never looking back. Jean-Christoph Lemieux opened the scoring with a shorthanded marker at 4:01 of the first period, setting the tone early. Adam Valentini added a power play goal, assisted by Calgary’s Landon DuPont and Fredericton’s Tynan Lawrence. Lawrence followed up with a power play goal of his own, finishing off a setup from Mathis Preston and Pierce Mbuyi.

Hungary responded briefly, cutting the deficit to two with a goal from Kolos Feher, but Canada closed out the period with another from Beckham Edwards—his first of two on the night—assisted by Alessandro Di lorio. It was 4-1 after the first.

The second period brought more of the same. Ethan Belchetz capitalized on the man advantage with help from DuPont and Keaton Verhoeff, two Alberta products. Dimian Zhilkin then scored off feeds from Valentini and DuPont, who finished the game with a team-high three assists. Edwards struck again late in the period, finishing a passing play from Di lorio and Gio Pantelas, making it 7-1.

Both teams swapped goaltenders midway through the second. Jason Schaubel took over in net for Canada, replacing Carter Esler at the 12:21 mark. Hungary made a similar move, with Martin Hadju entering in relief of Bence Veres-Fucsku.

The third period saw no scoring but included a string of penalties—four against Canada, two against Hungary.

By the Numbers:

• Final Score: Canada 7, Hungary 1

• Shots on Goal: Canada 63, Hungary 20

  • 1st: 22–7

  • 2nd: 26–6

  • 3rd: 15–7

• Power Play:

  • Canada: 3/5

  • Hungary: 0/6

• Top Canadian Performers:

  • Beckham Edwards – 2 goals

  • Landon DuPont – 3 assists

  • Adam Valentini – 1 goal, 1 assist

  • Carter Esler – 10 saves (.909 SV%)

Goaltending Summary:

• Canada:

  • Carter Esler – 30 minutes, 11 shots, 10 saves, 1 goal against

  • Jason Schaubel – 27 minutes, 9 shots, 9 saves

• Hungary:

  • Bence Veres-Fucsku – 30 minutes, 39 shots, 6 goals against

  • Martin Hadju – 27 minutes, 24 shots, 1 goal against

Hungary’s lone goal came from Kolos Feher, with assists from Nandor Polonyi and Balint Lobenwein.

Canada’s roster features rising stars from across the CHL and USHL, including players from Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.

The Canadians return to the ice Saturday, August 9, when they face Slovakia in Piestany at 12:00 p.m. Eastern (10:00 a.m. Mountain).

The 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup officially begins Monday, August 11, when Canada opens the tournament against Finland at 9:30 a.m. Eastern (7:30 a.m. Mountain) at Winning Group Arena in Brno, Czechia.

Global sports through a Canadian lens
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Zayne Parekh Makes Immediate Impact in Calgary

CALGARY — Zayne Parekh’s rise through the hockey ranks is no longer a quiet story. It’s a headline.

The 19-year-old defenceman, born in Nobleton, Ontario, made an immediate impression after being drafted ninth overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his offensive instincts and elite skating ability, Parekh is now firmly in the spotlight following a goal-scoring NHL debut on April 17, 2025, in a 5–1 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

Parekh’s path to the NHL was marked by excellence at every level. After being selected 19th overall by the Saginaw Spirit in the 2022 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft, he made his debut on October 1, 2022, and quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic blueliners in junior hockey. He posted 21 goals and 37 points in just 50 games during his first full OHL season—unprecedented production for a rookie defenceman.

His accolades followed suit. Parekh was named to both the CHL All-Rookie Team and the OHL First All-Rookie Team. He went on to win the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s top defenceman and was later awarded CHL Defenceman of the Year honours, solidifying his status as the best junior defenceman in the country.

Internationally, Parekh represented Canada at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he played a key role in helping Team Canada capture gold. His ability to contribute in high-pressure situations on the international stage only reinforced what scouts and coaches already knew—this is a player with top-pairing potential at the NHL level.

The Calgary Flames signed Parekh to a three-year entry-level contract worth $2.925 million shortly after drafting him. And unlike many young prospects who require time to adjust, Parekh made an instant impact in his first NHL appearance, scoring and showcasing the poise and vision that defined his junior career.

With a combination of high-end hockey IQ, elite edgework, and a calm presence under pressure, Parekh appears poised to become a foundational piece of Calgary’s blue line for years to come.

In a league constantly searching for the next breakout star, Zayne Parekh isn’t just a promising name for the future. He’s a headline today.

Global sports through a Canadian lens
provectusmedia.ca

Hockey Canada Invites 92 Players to 2025 Olympic Camp

CALGARY — Hockey Canada has invited 92 athletes from its men’s, women’s, and para programs to gather in Calgary from August 26–28 for its National Teams Orientation Camp—a key milestone on the road to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The camp isn’t about drills or line combinations. It’s about establishing culture, mindset, and chemistry before the puck ever drops. For three days, Canada’s top players and staff will participate in team-building, strategy meetings, and media opportunities—all with one goal: gold.

This marks a unified launch point for all three national teams. It’s rare to see men’s, women’s, and para hockey sharing the same space at the same time. But as Hockey Canada signals, the mission is collective. It starts here.

Why Calgary? Because this city continues to position itself as the heart of Canadian high-performance hockey. From Winsport to the Saddledome to the future Scotia Place—Calgary isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a launchpad.

Rosters are now live on Hockey Canada’s website:

• Men’s Roster

• Women’s Roster

• Para Roster

This orientation camp may not make highlight reels—but it will shape the season. From here, the best in Canada will begin their push toward Olympic rosters, international tournaments, and the ultimate test in Italy.

And here at Provectus Media, we’ll be following the journey every step of the way.