U.S. Loses to Canada in Hlinka Gretzky Cup Final, 8-1

EDMONTON, Alberta – The U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team concluded the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a second-place result after losing to Canada, 8-1, in the final match this evening at Rogers Place.

Team USA wrapped up the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a record of 4-0-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L), marking its 10th all-time second-place finish in the tournament’s history.

“I could not be prouder of this team,” stated Reid Cashman (Red Wing, Minn.), head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. “Tonight did not unfold as we had hoped, but reflecting on the tournament overall, it was incredible to witness a group of young men unite and compete at such a high level. These players all have promising futures, and I look forward to following their paths.”

Canada opened the scoring at 1:24 of the first period, with Brock England delivering a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle into the net.

Maddox Schultz increased Canada’s advantage to 2-0 at 8:33 during a power play, netting a goal from the left faceoff circle following a cross-ice pass from Landon DuPont.

England netted his second goal of the game at 15:56, achieving Canada’s second power-play goal with a one-timer from the top of the right circle.

GAME PHOTOS

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

GAME STATS

Gunnar Conboy (Lakeville, Minn.) answered with a power-play goal with 1:37 remaining, converting a rebound after a one-timer from Gavin Burcar (Coto De Caza, Calif.) to narrow the score to 3-1 as the teams headed into the second period.

Canada restored its three-goal lead at 9:21 of the second period when Benjamin Veitch scored.

Schultz netted Canada’s third power-play goal of the evening at 12:00 with a quick shot from the left faceoff circle after receiving a pass from DuPont. Liam Pue extended Canada’s lead to 6-1 with 3:33 left, scoring following a pass from Malik L’Italien.

Pue added his second goal just 56 seconds into the third period, scoring on a breakaway to increase Canada’s lead to 7-1. Jaakko Wycisk scored at 12:15 to finalize the score at 8-1.

NOTES: Gunnar Conboy was named U.S. Player of the Game … Canada outshot Team USA, 45-17 … The U.S. converted 1-5 on the power play while Canada went 3-5.

2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup HGC Schedule HGC Roster