The 2019 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup wraps up today in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and it’s been an exciting week to say the least. The eight-team tournament (which is not IIHF-sanctioned, despite IIHF rules being implemented) is typically seen as the ‘start’ of the upcoming NHL draft year, as it allows the world’s best under-18 players to play before their regular seasons begin.
As mentioned above, because the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup is not an IIHF-sanctioned event, USA Hockey does not bring their national team to participate, electing to have American players in the CHL and USHL play in the tournament instead.