Edmonton to host 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Monday
Posted August 3, 2024 12:07 pm.
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is returning to Edmonton for the first time since 2018, and it starts on Monday.
The Government of Alberta announced Saturday it will be providing $11 million in funding to support the U18 showcase tournament.
“The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an opportunity to watch the rising stars of future hockey legends. Hosting events like these brings significant economic benefits to our communities and allows our homegrown talent to play in front of a hometown crowd. I’m looking forward to cheering on Team Canada as they look to repeat last year’s gold medal performance,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
The province estimates the tournament will bring $13 million into Edmonton’s economy, as local businesses and hotels will see visitors from the tournament.
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an annual tournament run by Hockey Canada, the Czech Ice Hockey Association, and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation.
Czechia and Slovakia have hosted the majority of the tournaments, and in 2004, the tournament was rebranded from the Juniors World Cup to honour Ivan Hlinka. It was rebranded again to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup to honour Wayne Gretzky when the tournament made its return to Canada in 2018.
This will be the fourth time Canada has hosted the tournament, and the second time for Edmonton since it began in 1991.
Edmonton was supposed to host in 2020, but that tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tournament will run from Aug. 5 to 10.
