Heartbreak in Brno: Canada Falls 4–3 to USA in Shootout at Hlinka Gretzky Cup Semifinal

BRNO, Czechia — Canada’s bid for gold at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup came to a heartbreaking end Friday, falling 4–3 to the United States in a shootout in the tournament’s first semifinal at Winning Group Arena.

The Americans struck first just seconds into a power play in the opening period, with Noah Davidson converting at 5:14 after Adam Valentini was sent off for slashing. The U.S. battled penalty trouble early, taking three more minors before the intermission but killing them off to stay up 1-0.

Ethan Belchetz brought Canada level 34 seconds into the second period, finishing a play from Carson Carels and Landon DuPont. But the U.S. responded at 8:32 when Luke Puchner restored the lead. Canada found itself shorthanded late in the frame, and the Americans capitalized, with Blake Zielinski scoring on the power play at 18:58 to make it 3–1.

Needing a spark in the third, Canada found one on the man advantage. Tynan Lawrence scored just three minutes in, assisted by Ryan Lin and Markus Ruck, to pull within one. With 5:05 remaining in regulation, Mathis Preston tied the game 3–3 to force overtime.

Canada outshot the U.S. 37–32, including a dominant 20–3 edge in the third period, but neither side could score in the extra frame. In the shootout, Joseph Salandra and Nikita Klepov scored for the Americans, while Preston was the lone Canadian to beat goaltender Brady Knowling. Zielinski’s clincher sealed the win for the U.S., sending them to the gold medal game.

Knowling finished with 34 saves for the Americans. Canada’s Gavin Betts stopped 29 shots in the loss.

The result means Canada will play Finland for bronze on Saturday, while the United States advances to face Sweden for gold with both games getting underway at 11:00 AM Eastern.

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
provectusmedia.ca

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.

A Closer Look at Martin Pospisil’s New Deal

CALGARY — Martin Pospisil just signed a three-year, $7.5 million extension with the Calgary Flames. The deal comes with a $2.5M average annual value—no bonuses, no performance escalators, and no playoff incentives.

It’s a clean, simple structure. And to be fair, it reflects what Pospisil delivered last season. He put up a career-high 25 points, played with physical edge, and proved he belonged in the lineup. No one’s questioning whether he earned a raise.

But it’s also worth stepping back and asking: could this deal have been structured to create more upside?

In today’s NHL, performance bonuses aren’t just for entry-level contracts. Smart teams use them to align ambition with cap flexibility. Bonuses for hitting 20 goals, 40 points, or 82 games played aren't handouts—they’re motivators. And when used well, they can be valuable tools in player development and cap planning.

The Flames are clearly in a reset—not a teardown. They’re trying to build around a younger core. That means betting on growth. Betting on breakout seasons. And often, that also means designing contracts that reward players for exceeding expectations.

There’s no telling how Pospisil’s next three years will unfold. Maybe he continues his upward trajectory either way. But if he does, Calgary won’t owe him a dollar more than the base deal. That’s the opportunity they might’ve left on the table.

It’s not a criticism—just a question of whether there was a missed chance to add value for both the player and the team.

What do you think?
Should more NHL teams use performance incentives to structure deals like this?

Team Canada’s 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Roster Is Loaded

CALGARY — Team Canada recently announced its 25-man roster for the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup—and this group is stacked with talent from across the country.

Ontario leads the way with 11 players, including Adam Valentini (Toronto), Ethan Belchetz (Oakville), and Beckham Edwards (Komoka).

Alberta is sending five: Landon DuPont and Cooper Williams (Calgary), Daxon Rudolph (Lacombe), Carter Esler (Okotoks), and Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan).

There’s also strong representation from B.C., Quebec, Manitoba, and the Maritimes.

Several names are already standing out:

• Landon DuPont – WHL Rookie of the Year with 60 points in 64 games as a defenceman. Smooth, composed, and elite at 16.

• Daxon Rudolph – Former #1 WHL pick with a big frame and pro-ready puck poise.

• Adam Valentini – Undersized at 5'9", but relentless. Great edgework, puck protection, and a sniper's release.

• Keaton Verhoeff – 6'4", 208 lbs, mobile and physical with 45 points last season.

• Giorgos Pantelas – From Laval, QC, now playing for Brandon. Big body and strong positioning on the blue line.

The Hlinka tournament is more than just a summer showcase—it’s a glimpse at Canada’s next wave of NHL stars. Past rosters included players like Crosby, MacKinnon, Makar, Bedard, and Price.

The regional storylines are already taking shape:

Flames fans may see Landon DuPont as the future of Calgary's blue line.

Oilers fans might want to keep an eye on Valentini… just in case.

Ontario fans have 11 reasons to believe their next franchise player is on this team.

Someone on this roster is going to blow up.
And when they do, it’ll all trace back to this summer in Slovakia and Czechia—where Canada’s next wave took the ice for the first time, together.