The 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup kicked off on Monday with Team Canada, Sweden, Czechia and USA skating away with victories. Overall, there were a handful of strong performances, with WHLers leaving their mark on Day 1. Here is a look at Ryan Lin, Noah Davidson and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, who all played key roles on Monday.

Ryan Lin, Team Canada

Lin kicked off his tournament with a two-point night against Finland. The Vancouver Giants defenceman recorded an assist on Canada's first goal of the game, while scoring in the final seconds of the second period to put the Canadians up 3-2. A projected top-15 pick in this year's draft, Lin will be a key part of Canada's blue line throughout the tournament. 

Noah Davidson, Team USA

Davidson was the hero in Team USA's victory over Slovakia. The Medicine Hat Tigers forward recorded the primary assist on the Americans' opening goal, while scoring the game-winner with under two minutes to go. Named Team USA's player of the game, Davidson will make his WHL debut once the tournament is complete. 

Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, Team USA

Another Tigers' forward who had an impressive game was Gordon-Carroll. The 16-year-old recorded an assist and played a pivotal role on Team USA's penalty kill. Gordon-Carroll also played on a line with Davidson, showing that the future teammates have already developed some chemistry. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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