Login/Logout
The 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup revealed not just individual talent, but also how national teams differed in style, structure and efficiency. Neutral Zone evaluated every team’s strengths and weaknesses across scoring, possession, discipline and puck management. The numbers clearly show why certain teams thrived while others fell behind.
Team USA’s gold medal at the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup was not the product of one star performance, but a roster where different players excelled in specific statistical areas. By digging into the numbers, we can see how each skater’s contributions, from scoring and playmaking to puck battles and takeaways, added up to a balanced, championship Gold Medal winning formula.
The 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup featured a mix of players who could be considered goal scorers, playmakers and possession drivers, but the top five scorers all found different paths to success. Using InStat data Neutral Zone scouts looked beyond the point totals to understand how each player generated offense, drove play and separated themselves from their peers.
The 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup was once again a showcase of elite young talent, and while goals and assists grabbed the headlines, the real measure of impact often came from the backend. Defensemen not only produced offensively, but also dictated tempo, played tough minutes and swung momentum in ways that don’t always show up on a scoresheet. Using InStat data compiled by Neutral Zone scouts, this evaluation highlights the defenders who stood out for more than just their point totals
The Hlinka-Gretzky Cup is often remembered for highlight-reel goals and point leaders, but the real story runs deeper. Success at this level comes just as much from the details—who controls the puck, wins battles, makes plays under pressure, and tilts the ice in their team’s favor. Using InStat tracking and Neutral Zone’s scouting data, we looked past the scoresheet to uncover which players truly drove play.
Played on Jul 31, 2025 Canada National Teams Game Played in Sixteen Miles Sports Complex Scout: Andrew DeGroot Carter Esler (G, L, 5’10”, 166, Spokane Chiefs, 11/28/2008) Comments: Gave up 3 goals…
As we dive into the 2025 NHL Draft class, it’s essential to evaluate prospects through the lens of today’s game, where size, while still a factor, is no longer the defining trait it once was. The modern NHL demands speed, skill, and intelligence at every position. However, physical benchmarks remain part of the projection process. With the average NHL player standing at 6’1.5″ and weighing 206 pounds—and the average NHL All-Star only slightly smaller—teams continue to value players who combine ability with a frame that can withstand the rigors of the pro game and the NHL playoffs.
As we dive into the 2025 NHL Draft class, it’s essential to evaluate prospects through the lens of today’s game, where size, while still a factor, is no longer the…
Team Sweden had a successful tournament, going four wins to only one loss in pool play, avenging an earlier loss to the USA with a 4-3 semifinal win, propelling them…
The Czechs only won a single game at this tournament, finishing round-robin pool play with a 1-4 record. They played well, but puck luck was simply not with them as…
Slovakia has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly with the prohibition of Russian participation in international competition. This is evidenced by the substantial number of Slovakian players selected in…
Finland likely isn’t pleased with their performance at this year’s tournament. They concluded with a record of two wins and three losses in five games, primarily hampered by a lack…
This was not the tournament Switzerland had hoped for. They got off to a poor start, being outscored 20 to 3 in the first two games against two strong opponents:…
Drew Schock (D, L, 6’0″, 178, NTDP U18, 02/07/2007, Michigan) Schock is a reliable, mobile two-way defenseman with strong instincts, leadership traits, and a polished puck-moving game. Serving as an…
Ashton Schultz (RW, R, 5’11”, 180, Chicago Steel, 10/03/2006, North Dakota) Ashton Schultz is a right-shot forward with offensive instincts, pace, and a heavy perimeter shooting mentality. He was tied…
Tanner Lam (RW, R, 5’9″, 156, Kitchener Rangers, 07/17/2007) Tanner Lam is a 5’9″, 155-pound right-shot right wing playing for the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL. In 67 games this…
Artemi Nizameyev (LW, R, 5’10”, 191, Tri City Storm, 11/20/2005, Miami (Ohio)) Artemi Nizameyev is a skilled, pace-driven right shot forward who produced nearly a point per game in the…
Samuel Meloche (G, L, 6’2″, 194, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 07/22/2007) Samuel Meloche is a 6’2”, 190-pound left-catching goaltender for Rouyn-Noranda in the QMJHL. In 51 appearances during the 2024–25 season, Meloche…
Garrett Lindberg (D, R, 5’11”, 190, NTDP U18, 03/08/2007, North Dakota) Garrett Lindberg is a right-shot defenseman who brings maturity, defensive intelligence, and high-level puck distribution to the U.S. National…
Robert Cowan (RW, R, 5’11”, 176, Madison Capitols, 06/12/2006, Western Michigan) Bobby Cowan is a 5’11”, 178-pound right-shot winger who can also play center. In his 2024–25 season with the…
Alexander Filippov (D, R, 6’2″, 176, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, 09/26/2006) Alexander Filippov is a long, mobile, right-shot defenseman who has played a consistent depth role on a strong CSKA MHL…