🇨🇦 Canada Blasts Switzerland 9–1 at Hlinka Gretzky Cup
BRNO, Czech Republic – Team Canada exploded for eight goals in the third period to defeat Switzerland 9–1 at Winning Group Arena on Day 2 of the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
After a slow start and just one power-play goal in the second frame, the Canadians turned on the jets in the final 20 minutes, showcasing their depth, speed, and skill in a lopsided win.
Third Period Eruption
Canada entered the third period with a slim 1–0 lead, but broke the game wide open with eight unanswered goals, scoring five in an eight-minute span. Forward Mathis Preston (#14) led the way with a hat trick and an assist, while Adam Valentini (#19) chipped in with two goals and an assist.
Other Canadian scorers included:
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Dimian Zhilkin (#24) – 1G, 1A
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Beckham Edwards (#16) – 1G
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Ryan Lin (#4) – 1G
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Ethan Belchetz (#16), Markus Ruck (#26), and Thomas Rousseau (#29) also picked up assists.
The lone Swiss goal came at 13:14 of the third, when Yanis Lutz finished off a play set up by Thierry Berger.
Strong in Net, Disciplined on the Kill
Canada’s Carter Esler (#30) made 14 saves on 15 shots for the win. The penalty kill was also solid, holding Switzerland to 0-for-4 on the power play despite taking four minor penalties.
Canada finished 1-for-5 on the power play, converting early in the second with a goal by Zhilkin, assisted by Landon DuPont (#9) and Ethan Belchetz.
By the Numbers:
| Category | Canada | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 9 | 1 |
| Shots on Goal | 36 | 15 |
| Power Plays | 1/5 | 0/4 |
| Total Penalty Minutes | 8 (4 infractions) | 10 (5 infractions) |
Coaches & Standouts
Head coach Mathieu Turcotte, alongside assistants Travis Crickard and Rick Steadman, had the team executing with pace and confidence late in the game. The balanced attack saw contributions from all four lines, with standout performances from Preston, Valentini, and Zhilkin.
Next Game: Canada vs. Czechia – Preliminary Round
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Wednesday, August 13, 2025
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2:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM local
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Winning Group Arena, Brno, Czech Republic
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🇨🇦 Canada Record: 2–0
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🇨🇿 Czechia Record: 1–0
Both teams remain undefeated heading into Wednesday’s Group B showdown, with top seeding and semifinal positioning on the line.
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