As the second day of the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup unfolded, fans were treated to dramatic comebacks, offensive outbursts, and clutch performances from OHL talent across the board. From Canada’s eight-goal third period to Sweden’s late surge past the United States. Here’s a look at all the results from Day 2:
Canada vs. Switzerland
Final: 9 (CAN) – 1 (SUI)
In the first game of Day 2, Canada (1–0) and Switzerland (0–1) entered with opposite records, and after a scoreless first period, the matchup looked evenly balanced. But just eight seconds into the second frame, Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit) broke through to give Canada the lead they were looking for – that one-goal cushion held until the final period, when the Canadian offence erupted for eight goals.
Yanis Lutz (Peterborough Petes) managed to beat goaltender Carter Esler for Switzerland’s lone tally, but Esler was otherwise solid, stopping 14 of the 15 shots he faced.
Zhilkin, Adam Valentini (Kitchener Rangers), and Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires) all posted multi-point games, while Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack), Colin Fitzgerald (Peterborough Petes), and Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting) chipped in with assists.
Canada improves to 2–0 and will face Czechia (1-1) tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EDT in their next round-robin matchup.
Switzerland will take on Finland (1-1) in a morning mashup with Finland at 9:30 AM EDT.
OHL Player Game Stats:
Canada
- Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit) – 2G, 0A
- Adam Valentini (Kitchener Rangers) – 2G, 0A
- Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires) – 1G, 1A
- Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack) – 0G, 1A
- Colin Fitzgerald (Peterborough Petes) – 0G, 1A
- Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting) – 0G, 1A
Switzerland
- Yanis Lutz – 1G, 0A
Sweden vs. United States
Final: 5 (SWE) – 3 (USA)
In an anticipated matchup, both teams entered off dominant wins the day before and were eager to extend their streaks. The United States jumped out to a two-goal lead by the end of the first period, capped by another power-play marker from Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit), and looked poised to pull away in the middle frame.
However, a special-teams-heavy second period saw both sides connect with the man advantage – Marcus Nordmark (London Knights) got Sweden on the board before Blake Zielinski (Ottawa 67’s) restored the Americans’ two-goal cushion. A late Swedish tally cut the lead to one heading into the third.
In the final period, Sweden struck for three unanswered goals in quick succession to complete the comeback, sealing the win and improving to 2–0.
They’ll face Slovakia (1-1) tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 PM EDT in their next round-robin matchup.
The Americans will take on Germany (0-2) in the morning at 9:30 AM EDT.
OHL Player Game Stats:
Sweden
- Marcus Nordmark (London Knights) – 1G, 1A
United States
- Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit) – 1G, 0A
- Blake Zielinski (Ottawa 67’s) – 1G, 0A
- Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) – 0G, 1A
Finland vs. Czechia
Final: 4 (FIN) – 1 (CZE)
Finland cruised to a 4–1 victory over host nation Czechia in their second game of the tournament. Oscar Hemming (Kitchener Rangers) opened the scoring for the Finns on the power play just minutes in, and they never looked back, securing the win to even their record at 1–1.
Finland will face Switzerland (0–2) at 9:30 a.m. EDT, while Czechia will take on Canada (2–0) at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
OHL Player Game Stats:
Finland
- Oscar Hemming (Kitchener Rangers) – 1G, 0A
Slovakia vs. Germany
Final: 1 (SVK) – 0 (GER)
With both teams coming off losses on opening day, each was eager to grab three points on Day 2. The game remained scoreless for most of the contest until Matej Stankoven (Brampton Steelheads) played hero, netting the eventual game-winner with less than two minutes left in regulation. Goaltender Denis Celko secured his first shutout of the tournament to seal the 1–0 victory.
Tomorrow afternoon, they’ll face Sweden (2–0) at 1:00 p.m. EDT, while Germany will take on the United States (1-1) at 9:30 a.m. EDT.
OHL Player Game Stats:
Slovakia
- Matej Stankoven (Brampton Steelheads) – 1G, 0A
For the full tournament schedule, including stats and standings, click here.
