The first taste of WHL talent in the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup went in favour of Czechia, as they defeated the USA by a score of 2-1. Blazers prospect Vit Zahejsky said in a post game interview that it was "a very physical game, they had 10 more shots than us" but a late David Rozsival goal propelled his team to the victory.
The Czech forward is expected to stay in Edmonton following the tournament, and report to Blazers training camp later this summer.
On the opposite side of the ice, USA captain and Edmonton Oil Kings defender Blake Fiddler had himself a game as well, despite coming out on tbe losing side. Plenty of physical play, quick breakouts, and generally giving his team a chance to score almost every time he stepped on the ice.
Fiddler stood by his team in the loss, saying "I think we know our strengths and we know how to play to them. I thought we had a lot of good things, some stuff we had to improve on, but we'll go over some video and we'll be ready to go tomorrow."
On playing underneath his father, NHL veteran Vernon Fiddler, "You know, he's been through it all so he's a good guy to look up to and he helps me a lot with everything, just the little things. Getting ready for these tournaments, he helps me a lot, and I'm really thankful for him."
Czechia will open the four-game schedule on Aug 6 against Germany, while the Americans will take on Finland.
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