USA Hockey announced that the Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp will take place from July 23 to 27 in St. Paul, Minnesota, gathering 36 of the nation’s top under‑18 prospects. The camp serves as the final evaluation stage before the organization finalizes a 23‑player roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, an international tournament that showcases the best young talent from North America and Europe.
Among the invitees is Sawyer Schmidt, a forward from Buffalo, New York, who currently skates for the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League. Schmidt’s inclusion marks a significant milestone, as he is one of the few players from the Buffalo area to receive a direct invitation to the camp.
Schmidt’s rookie season in the OHL got off to a promising start when he recorded his first professional goal and assist in a road victory over the Sarnia Sting on February 13. The milestone came after 29 games spent adapting to the league’s speed and physicality, a transition that began after he posted 7 goals and 20 assists in 33 contests with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the OJHL.
Prior to his OHL stint, Schmidt appeared in five games for the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U17 squad during the 2025‑26 season, gaining valuable international experience against elite competition. His performance in both domestic and developmental settings has drawn praise from coaches who view him as a versatile offensive threat with strong playmaking instincts.
A Prospect on the Rise
The upcoming camp will be a crucible for Schmidt, who must compete against a deep pool of talent for a limited number of spots on the final roster. The stakes are heightened by the prospect of representing the United States at the 2026 tournament in Edmonton, Alberta, where the team will face off against some of the world’s most skilled junior programs.
Beyond individual aspirations, Schmidt’s participation underscores the growing pipeline of talent that moves from U.S. junior circuits to the OHL and then to national team consideration. His journey reflects a broader trend of American players leveraging Canadian junior leagues to accelerate their development and visibility.
As the camp draws nearer, analysts and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Schmidt performs on the larger stage. A strong showing could cement his place not only on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster but also in the broader conversation about the future of U.S. men’s junior hockey.