Canada whips U.S. 8-1 to win Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Edmonton – In a dominant display, Canada dispatched the United States 8-1 to clinch the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Saturday. Four Canadian players – Brock England, Maddox Schultz, Liam Pue, and Benjamin Veitch – each netted twice, while the power play went 3-for-5. Benjamin Veitch and Jaakko Wycisk also scored for Canada, who dominated the action with 45 shots to the Americans' 17.

Canadian captain Landon DuPont added four assists, helping the hosts secure their 26th Under-18 gold medal at the summer event. Maddox Schultz, named player of the game, expressed his elation, stating, “This is a crazy moment because we have dreamt of this since the start of the tournament, and it was our mission to win gold.” Gunnar Conboy, the lone American goal scorer, went 1-for-5 on the power play.

Coach Ryan Oulahen praised his team, saying, “I am so proud of this group… This group will be remembered for playing the Canadian way.” Canada topped Group A with wins over Switzerland, Slovakia, and Sweden, advancing to the gold-medal game after a 6-3 victory over Finland in the semifinals.