Although there weren't many representatives across the board, the nations that did send at least one skater did not disappoint.
Although there weren't many representatives across the board, the nations that did send at least one skater did not disappoint.
With the premier hockey showcase of the summer finally wrapping up, it is time to reveal my picks for the top players of the tournament.
Cole Reschny- Team Canada/Victoria Royals
Reschny was projected as one of the top performers of the host country, and he delivered; the Royals forward finished tied for fifth in tournament scoring withseven points and was consistently a force on the top line for the red and white.
Ondrej Stebetak- Team Czechia/Portland Winterhawks
Going toe to toe with Jack Ivankovic, statistically the best goaltender in the tournament, is no easy feat but Stebetak was right there the whole way; finishing second in save percentage and goals against average among goalies who played multiple games. The Winterhawks prospect made many big saves, and kept his team in the fight when the offense seemed to dry up.
Vit Zahejsky- Team Czechia/Kamloops Blazers
Perhaps an overlooked part of the Czech roster, considering Adam Benak set the record for most points in the history of the tournament, but the Kamloops forward was a force all week long. He was consistently setting up plays, finished tied for fith in points alongside Reschny, and earned himself a promotion to the top line for the semifinal and gold medal game.
Gavin McKenna- Team Canada/Medicine Hat Tigers
The one everyone was waiting for, McKenna was a little less than advertised during this tournament but was still a factor every single night. Finishing with six points, he could have had several more goals had the puck luck gone his way, but regardless the 2026 NHL Draft prospect was still a sight to behold.
Cameron Schmidt- Team Canada/Vancouver Giants
It truly feels like Schmidt hit double-digit points over the course of the week, but finished with a modest total of four. The Giants prospect used his time on the top line well in the absence of fellow WHLer Braeden Cootes, and complemented McKenna and Reschny exactly how he needed to. Solid on both ends of the ice, and able to finish when necessary.
Honorable Mentions:
Blake Fiddler- Team USA/Edmonton Oil Kings
Jackson Smith- Team Canada/Tri-City Americans
Reese Hamilton- Team Canada/Calgary Hitmen
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