PENHOLD – It had all the makings of a world-class hockey event.
The Town of Penhold welcomed teams Sweden and Finland and their families, along with hundreds of visitors, special guests and hockey fans to the Penhold Regional Multiplex for a Hlinka Gretzky Cup pre-tournament game on Aug. 4.
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup showcases the best 16- and 17-year-old hockey players from around the world, including Canada.
The event, previously known as the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup and held in Europe, is now renamed and will be held in Canada every two years.
The first tournament in Canada took place in Edmonton and Red Deer from Aug. 6 to 11.
"We’ve seen some great hockey so far,” said Mike Yargeau, Penhold mayor. “I think we’ve got over 300 people here today. We’re thrilled with the turnout, especially on a long weekend.”
Yargeau noted the number of volunteers, including town council, that contributed to the event's success, along with the enthusiasm from the crowds.
“This is the best hockey we’ve ever had played here in Penhold. It’s great to see,” he said. “The kids are really getting into it, picking a team to cheer for and screaming in the stands. It’s a great day.”
Three action-packed periods filled with skill, speed and hard-hitting hockey were topped off with overtime and a shootout, with Sweden coming out on top of Finland with a narrow 4-3 victory.
One hockey fan in the stands was 11-year-old Nikolas Stepheson from Penhold.
“I’m really excited. I’m cheering for Team Sweden,” said Stephenson. “It’s really fun to watch a big tournament like this.”
Players from the teams gave fans a taste of what to expect in the first Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
“There is a lot of speed and the game is very fast,” said Leevi Aaltonen from Team Finland, who scored a goal in the third period.
Aaltonen said he expects a competitive host in Team Canada and pointed out some challenges for European players.
“The rink is smaller than in Europe so the game will be faster,” he said. “Canada is a very, very good team and will be hard to beat.”
Alexander Holtz of Team Sweden said fans would see some great hockey during the tournament.
“The tournament will be good and the games will be good also,” said Holtz. “The game here has more speed and is more physical.”
Holtz said the pre-tournament game in Penhold was a well hosted event and the fans made them feel welcome.
“I think the atmosphere today was really good,” said Holtz. “It was really fun to be here.”
