The finals match-ups have been determined for the 33rd Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, with Canada and Czechia battling for Gold and Sweden and the United States.
The bronze medal game won't feature a single QMJHLer, but boasts stars such as the three tournament point leaders in Viktor Klingsell (11 in 4), Ivar Stenberg (10 in 4) and Milton Gastrin (10 in 4) for Sweden and on the American's side potential draft rising defensemen in Blake Fiddler (3 in 4) and Carter Murphy (4 in 4).
If Sweden loses, this would be the first time since 2014 where Sweden hasn't medaled at the tournament in back-to-back years. Meanwhile, if the United States wins they would have the sole possession of the third most bronze medals in the Hlinka-Gretzky's history with five.
As for the gold medal game, Canada boasts five QMJHLers with Chicoutimi's Emile Guite coming out on top with six points (3+3) over four games, for second on his team in points. His teammate on the Saguenéens, Alex Huang has had a massive tournament too as he's scored four points (2+2) in 4 games so far.
Moncton's Caleb Desnoyers has remained at a point per game pace with four assists in four games this tournament. The alternate captain has brought a confidence to this tournament that's hard to match.
Halifax's Liam Kilfoil has had a strong tournament as well, with two assists over four games so far, while displaying his trademark work ethic.
Lucas Beckman hasn't played since the 6th, but he held Slovakia to a single goal while posting a ridiculous .964 save percentage. This game, alongside his massive .938 save percentage in his stint with Baie-Comeau last year, should shine a spotlight on him as one of the draft's top goaltenders.
Should Canada win, this would be their 25th gold medal at the tournament. If they lose, this will be just the eighth time Canada hasn't won gold in the tournament's 33 iterations.
Meanwhile, the lone QMJHLer on Czechia is defender Stepan Cerny who has two points (0+2) across 4 games so far this tournament and has been standout defensively. Cerny spoke about what it'd be like facing off against a team like Canada.
"We have to be prepared mainly mentally, to realize that we are playing against such a great opponent and then we can prove something." he said in an article published by his Czech team Mountfield HK. "We have a very good team and if everyone fulfills their tasks, we can go for the gold."
As for this upcoming season, Cerny seems pretty set in stone with staying in Czechia.
"We discussed a lot the option of going to the Canadian junior team, where I was drafted," he said speaking of his selection by the Gatineau Olympiques. "In the end, however, I decided to stay and develop here in Hradec."
If Czechia wins, this would be their second gold at the Hlinka-Gretzky, and first since 2016. They would become just the third country, alongside Canada and Russia/U.S.S.R., to have won multiple Golds at the tournament.
As for Lars Steiner (SUI, Rouyn-Noranda), Andreas Straka (SVK, Quebec), Florian Schenk (SUI, Saint John) and Carlos Handel (GER, Halifax), their squads were eliminated from the tournament alongside Finland as they landed outside the top-4.
Andreas Straka finished the tournament with four points (1+3) over four games and is listed on the Remparts pre-season roster.
Schenk and Steiner from Switzerland both ended the tournament with a goal and an assists a piece across four games. Schenk has already officially signed with the Sea Dogs, meanwhile Steiner is listed on the pre-season roster for the Huskies, but on EliteProspects he is listed as being under contract with HC Davos of the Swiss National League for next season.
As for German defender Carlos Handel, he also finished with a goal and an assist and is listed on the Mooseheads' pre-season roster.
Schedule
Finals
Bronze: Sweden vs United States- 3:30 PM EST
Gold: Czechia vs Canada - 8 PM EST