A remarkable year for USA Hockey has seen the men’s, women’s, and sled teams secure Olympic and Paralympic gold medals in 2026, marking the first instance of such an achievement occurring in the same year.
Upon closer examination, this successful streak can be traced back to the previous year when the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team claimed the Hlinka Gretzky Cup for only the second time in history. The Americans previously won this title in 2003, 12 years after the tournament’s inception in 1991.
The winning momentum continues as this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scheduled for Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton, Alberta, is about to commence.
The current U18 team is drawing inspiration from the recent Olympic triumphs as they prepare for this tournament.
“It simplifies our task significantly when we can show these 17-year-olds footage of Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Quinn Hughes,” stated Reid Cashman, head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. “We can present the top players in the world demonstrating a certain level of play and selflessness. Those are the clips we’re utilizing to instruct these young athletes, and they are quite focused on that. As a coaching staff, we are very enthusiastic to have that resource at our disposal.”
In an eight-team tournament featuring three round-robin matches, the players’ concentration from the initial puck drop will be essential. The U.S. will face Czechia in its Pool B opener on Aug. 3, followed by matches against Finland on Aug. 4 and Germany on Aug. 5.
Pool A consists of Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and Slovakia. The Americans will participate in an exhibition game against Slovakia on Aug. 1 in Edmonton.
Earlier this week, the U.S. wrapped up a five-day camp at the Minnesota Wild’s practice facility in St. Paul, Minnesota, narrowing a 36-player roster down to 23 for the tournament. Cashman noted that the players have quickly developed chemistry during their short time together.
“Our staff was genuinely impressed with the mindset and attitude of the players,” Cashman remarked. “It’s clear that there aren’t many egos in this group, and it feels like a cohesive team rather than a collection of individuals. It feels like a team that is eager to achieve something remarkable.”
After serving two seasons as an assistant with the NHL’s Washington Capitals, Cashman took on the role of head coach at Dartmouth. Following a combined total of 13 wins in his first two seasons (2021-23), he guided the team to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 46 years, achieving a school-record 23 victories this past season. This accomplishment earned him the Spencer Penrose National Coach of the Year Award.
Cashman also possesses international experience, having served as an assistant coach for the U.S. at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
“He’s an excellent individual,” said Marc Boxer, USA Hockey’s director of junior hockey and general manager for the U18 team. “His demeanor is very humble, and his achievements at Dartmouth are truly impressive and do not go unnoticed. Those factors are considered when selecting a coach. When you inquire about Reid Cashman, you hear he’s a good person, a genuinely nice guy, and he has experienced considerable success.”
When asked about standout players during camp, Cashman redirected the focus to the collective effort and the positive attitude the group is exhibiting in practice and games throughout training camp.
“We’re pleased with the level of character present in the room, and when there are high-character individuals, it fosters cohesiveness and unity within the group,” Cashman stated. “While we have some speed, size, and skill, we are particularly excited about the character within our group and what that could signify.”
The increasing size and speed of the players have contributed to the U.S. achieving unprecedented international success in recent years. Boxer offered a perspective on why this trend is occurring with this group.
“I can’t pinpoint a single factor, but I will say this: the American Development Model, which began in 2009, has had a significant impact, and these players are all born in 2009,” Boxer explained. “We possess more skill and talent than ever before. In some instances, players may attempt to be overly creative, but it’s our staff’s responsibility to encourage them to adopt a simpler style of play. However, we recognize that they have the ability and skill to score and create plays. Having those attributes available when needed is crucial.”
Cashman is embracing the chance to lead this team in such a significant event, just as the players are excited to don their country’s jerseys.
“I can’t express how proud I am to work for USA Hockey,” Cashman said. “I had the opportunity to be an assistant at the World Juniors a couple of years ago, and it’s a different experience when the red, white, and blue is on your chest. Leading this group to this point will be one of the highlights of my career, and I aim to appreciate every moment and not take it for granted, as it will pass quickly.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
