U18: Hlinka Gretzky Cup 2024

[Bounces R Way]

It's the Benákolypse

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

With how far the American program has come, you would expect them to have a deeper team here. With that and the most recent draft, not a great trajectory for the American program overall

I thought they left off two of the best defensemen, Chase Reid and Landon Nycz. Both Waterloo players. 2026 eligibles so they are on the younger side and this team is already better on defense than forward anyway, so it’s not like the team needs defensemen, but I thought both should’ve made it.

Not many American forwards played USHL last year, which is a sign this forward group wouldn’t be good.

 

[Czechboy]

Happy the broadcast mentioned Poletin as well. He’s added a ton to that line

All three create offence through defence too. All three backcheck. Then turn it on when they have the puck. Highly entertaining

Damn you!

I was just about to come in and type that... they keep saying Novotny and Benak but Poletin is damn good and our captain.

 

[Czechboy]

I said Benak would have 6 points in tourney.. he's at 7 in 5 periods...

https://x.com/i/web/status/1820907645383192902

FTR.. was hoping to read that he broke a Gretzky/Michkov/Bedard/Jagr.. not MPS who was a first rounder but a puzzling bust for my Oilers.

 

[Czechboy]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1820908226465935696

Good players but not great ones....

 

[PanniniClaus]

The lack of name bars is a tremendous pet peave of mine.

 

[Czechboy]

If we can hang on.. that is a semi spot which would be great as playing Finn's for a playoff spot is not fun.lol

 

[Hockeyville USA]

I thought they left off two of the best defensemen, Chase Reid and Landon Nycz. Both Waterloo players. 2026 eligibles so they are on the younger side and this team is already better on defense than forward anyway, so it’s not like the team needs defensemen, but I thought both should’ve made it.

Not many American forwards played USHL last year, which is a sign this forward group wouldn’t be good.

Shame Nycz isn't on this US team. He was pretty good for one of the youngest players in the USHL last year.

 

[Bounces R Way]

That was pretty. Also some horrendous German defense lol

 

[Czechboy]

Go to watch in Czech tv to get a break from button... Czech feed is in English with Craig button.lol

 

[McMozesmadness]

The Germans have struggled with the skill of the Czechs. They’ve looked outmatched

Two names have really popped for them though. #22 Lewandowski and #7 Handel

 

[Czechboy]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1820915060044185991

Fan fav! Love this guy so far and he saved our asses in 3rd with a great save

 

[Czechboy]

Last two German goals have been gorgeous.

 

[Czechboy]

Semis are achieved!

Good

5 vs 5 play
Top line
Benak (yes I know he's on top line)
Mrtka
Team structures are good

Bad
PP is rough
Some lapses for sure
Haven't really hit full gear (or we don't have one)
No D scoring?
Depth scoring

Not sure
Dravecky and zahesky scare the shit out of me

 

[Czechboy]

That Finn vs us match coming up is huge...
Germans 2 points
Us 0 points
Finn's 1 point

Finn's need a win here big time.. I expect a 4--3 game

 

[McMozesmadness]

If everything goes according to the script from this point, it sets up a semi final between Sweden and the Czechs. That would be an incredible matchup

 

[Erikfromfin]

Orpana still not playing, I wonder if his even in Edmonton at all

 

[VictorLustig]

Any way to watch the games on demand?

 

[Erikfromfin]

absolute horror show. passing and puck control is terrible. these guys cant play

 

[Czechboy]

Any way to watch the games on demand?

I would love to know too.. I have to miss Finland game tomorrow and would like to watch when I get home.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Is Chase Jette's name actually pronounced "Juh-tay" or is it pronounced "Jet" like it appears?

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Is Chase Jette's name actually pronounced "Juh-tay" or is it pronounced "Jet" like it appears?

I'm just gonna say Jet because any other way hurts my brain.

 

[Jukurit]

Finland is abysmal. Not surprising they lost to Germany.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Kevan has been really impressive

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Kevan has been really impressive

Kevan was just under a point per game in the USHL as a 16 year old. Probably a late 1st to early 2nd type right now. His speed and frame are intriguing. Arizona State has a good one coming.