Daily Dose of the Dub: Hlinka Gretzky Cup updates, Cougars enter into partnership to develop local talent

Canada off to Gold Medal Game at Hlinka Gretzky Cup 

Canada is off to the gold medal game of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup after a 3-2 shootout win against Sweden. Moose Jaw Warriors import pick Jesper Wallstedt was in between the pipes for the Swedes making 39 saves on 41 shots in regulation and overtime. Wallstedt made five saves on eight shots in the loss. Canada will now take on Russia for gold while Sweden gets a match-up with Finland for bronze.

Gushchkin assists Russians in win over Finland 

As mentioned, Russia advanced to the gold medal game with a 4-1 win over Finland. Regina Pats import pick Daniil Gushchin helped seal the deal for the Russians, assisting on the empty-net goal to clinch the victory.

Americans finish the tournament with OT loss to the Czech Republic 

The USA fell in overtime to the host Czech Republic on Friday to finish sixth in this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Portland Winterhawks forward Cross Hanas had a goal for the Americans while Everett Silvertips import pick Michal Gut and Kelowna Rockets import pick Pavel Novak each scored for the Czech Republic. Novak’s marker was the OT winner.

Derungs, Knak have assists in Swiss loss 

Switzerland fell to the other host Slovakia in the seventh-place game by a score of 7-5. Victoria Royals import pick Keanu Derungs and Portland Winterhawks import pick Simon Knak each had assists in the loss.

Prince George and Cariboo Cougars partner to develop local talent 

The Prince George Cougars have partnered with the BCMML’s Cariboo Cougars and BC Hockey to create a new six-step development program to help develop the hockey talent in Northern B.C. The new program will allow local athletes to access training, prepare for each transitional stage of their playing careers as well as having the opportunity to represent their region.