United States tops Canada 4-3 in shootout in semifinal of Hlinka Gretzky Cup

By Canadian Press on August 15, 2025.

BRNO — Joseph Salandra, Nikita Klepov and Blake Zielinksi scored in the shootout as the United States beat Canada 4-3 on Friday in the semifinals of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The U.S. will play Sweden in Saturday’s gold-medal game, while Canada faces Finland for third place.

Zielinksi also had a power-play goal in regulation time for the Americans, while Noah Davidson and Luke Puchner also scored.

Brady Knowling made 34 saves through regulation and overtime, turning aside three of four skaters in the shootout for the win.

Tynan Lawrence and Mathis Preston had goals in the third period as Canada erased a 3-1 deficit.

Ethan Belchetz had the other Canadian goal as Gavin Betts stopped 29 shots but allowed three American goals in the shootout.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press