The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup concluded in Edmonton, where Team USA settled for a silver medal after a hard‑fought final against Canada. The tournament served as a showcase for the United States Hockey League, with eight of its prospects suiting up for the American side.
A Silver Lining in Edmonton
While the gold medal slipped away, the U.S. performance underscored the league’s rising influence on the international stage, as its players combined for 12 goals, 16 assists and 28 points across five games.
Ethan Sung emerged as the tournament’s top scorer among U.S. skaters, tallying six points through four goals and two assists. Joey Cullen, the youngest member of the roster, matched that output with five points, while Jake Prunty added his own five‑point contribution. Ryland Rooney of the Sioux Falls Stampede chipped in two goals and two assists for a total of four points, and Nash Roed delivered a hat‑trick en route to three goals and two assists.
The impact extended beyond individual stat lines. Gunnar Conboy found the back of the net in the championship game, the lone U.S. goal in a 2‑1 loss, and his performance illustrated the depth of talent the league supplies at critical moments. Veterans such as Auston Matthews and Kyle Connor, both alumni of USHL development pathways, were cited by coaches as proof of the circuit’s ability to launch players onto the world stage.
League officials point to a player‑first philosophy — featuring a 2:1 practice‑to‑game ratio and weekend‑heavy schedules — as a key driver of growth. Since 2020 the USHL has produced more than 315 NHL draft picks, and nine of the last ten Hobey Baker Award winners have emerged from its ranks. The silver‑medal run, coupled with the visibility of stars like Matthews and Connor, reinforces the league’s role in shaping the next generation of NHL talent.