The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup is currently taking place in Edmonton from Aug. 3–8, with some of the best U18-level players in the world representing their countries, giving fans and scouts an early look at some of the top NHL Draft-eligible talent.

The tournament debuted in 1991 and has had several names over the years, including the Phoenix Cup, the Junior World Cup, and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, before changing its name to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2018. Along the way, six current Oilers had the opportunity to represent their countries, and here’s a look back at their tournament runs.

Mattias Ekholm (2007) — Won a gold medal with Team Sweden

Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm suited up for Team Sweden at the 2007 Ivan Hlinka Tournament, which was held in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Then just 17 years old at the time, Ekholm manned the blue line for Team Sweden, which also had former Oilers Anton Lander and Magnus Pääjärvi on the roster. Sweden went undefeated in the preliminary round and faced Team Finland in the gold-medal game, where Ekholm made his biggest contribution.

The blueliner scored the opening goal of the gold-medal game, and while both teams exchanged goals, Finland tied the game late to force overtime. But Victor Hedman emerged as the hero, scoring the OT winner for Sweden to win the gold medal.

Ekholm finished the tournament with two points (one goal, one assist) in four games and a team-high 5 plus/minus rating.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2010) — Won a gold medal with Team Canada

One year before being drafted first overall by the Oilers, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was selected to represent Team Canada at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Tournament after coming off a season with the Red Deer Rebels that saw........

© Oilers Nation