In the USA’s 5-3 victory over Sweden in the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup final, the team’s offensive leader was Jack Hextall with a goal and two assists. He finished the tournament with seven points. “I’m so happy – so happy for my teammates, so happy for the USA – it’s awesome,” Hextall smiled after the game [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/usa-ends-20-year-hlinka-drought]. More of a playmaking center, Hextall said of his wingers, Blake Zielinski [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/usa-s-blake-zielinski-did-a-t-j-oshie-move-in-the-shootout] and Noah Davidson [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/usa-s-noah-davidson-we-came-here-for-gold-at-hlinka-gretzky-cup], “They’re so easy to play with. We just make each other better.” From Rolling Hills, Ill., Hextall played last season for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, where he had 34 points in 53 regular-season games and one point in three playoff games. He will return to Youngstown this season, and beyond that has committed to Michigan State University, along with USA teammate Nikita Klepov [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/usa-s-nikita-klepov-on-shootout-goal-its-easier-when-i-go-slow]. “I think just playing in bigger moments, it’s going to help me for next year,” Hextall said about the Hlinka Gretzky Cup experience. “And being a leader, it’s going to help me next year too.” USA Ends 20-Year Hlinka Drought [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/db4a4b4b-04d2-4f4d-a9d5-03f53b5df5ad.webp] USA Ends 20-Year Hlinka Drought Both teams had only won this tournament once in their history, but, despite never sending what is considered their best U-18 team – something the players get tired of hearing about – the USA won the August tournament for the first time since 2003. [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/usa-ends-20-year-hlinka-drought]
