WHERE IS THE HLINKA GRETZKY CUP BEING PLAYED?

A Tournament That Celebrates the Legacy of Two Hockey Legends

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an annual international under-18 ice hockey tournament, held between teams from Belarus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Canada. Named after two of hockey's greatest players – Wayne Gretzky and Ivan Hlinka – the tournament is an opportunity for the best young hockey players in the world to compete against each other and showcase their talents.

The History of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup was first played in 1991 and has been held every year since then, except for 2020 and 2021 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Wayne Gretzky and Ivan Hlinka played in the tournament's early years before continuing to grace the ice in the NHL.

Rotating Host Cities

Unlike many other sports tournaments, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup does not have a permanent location. The host city changes every year, with each participating country taking turns hosting the event. Past host cities have included:

• Břeclav and Brno, Czech Republic
• Piešťany, Slovakia
• Breclav, Czech Republic
• Red Deer, Canada
• Bratislava and Piešťany, Slovakia
• Brno and Znojmo, Czech Republic

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2022

The 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup will be hosted in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The tournament will take place from August 1 to 7, 2022, and will feature teams from all nine participating countries. Canada, Sweden, and Finland are expected to be the top contenders for the gold medal.

A Glimpse of the Future of Hockey

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is one of the most prestigious international hockey tournaments for under-18 players. The tournament provides a platform for young hockey players to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the world. Many players who have gone on to successful NHL careers have played in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, including Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Alex Ovechkin.

Conclusion

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a celebration of hockey and a showcase of the future of the sport. The tournament is an opportunity for young players to compete against the best in the world and learn from each other. It's also a chance for fans to see the next generation of hockey stars in action.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: When is the Hlinka Gretzky Cup played?
  A: The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is played annually in early August.

• Q: Where is the Hlinka Gretzky Cup played?
  A: The location of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup rotates among the participating countries.

• Q: Who are the participating countries in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup?
  A: The participating countries in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup are Belarus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Canada.

• Q: How old are the players in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup?
  A: The players in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup are all under the age of 18.

• Q: Who are some of the notable players who have played in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup?
  A: Some of the notable players who have played in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup include Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin, and Nikita Kucherov.