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Yorkton players seize Hlinka-Gretzky Cup

Two Yorktonites helped launch Canada to the top of the hockey heap over the weekend, snagging the prestigious 2018 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.
hlinka Gretzky

Two Yorktonites helped launch Canada to the top of the hockey heap over the weekend, snagging the prestigious 2018 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

Kaeden Korczak (defence) and Nolan Maier (goaltender) fought with team Canada during the grueling week-long tournament in Edmonton. The team competed with groups from the United States, Russia, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Finland. It was a tough ride with a fair share of nailbiters, but Canada ultimately came out on top.

“It was super cool,” said Korczak. “[Pretty] surreal.”

“It was incredible,” Maier said. “[I’m] kind of speechless.”

Korczak (who plays with the Kelowna Rockets) and Maier (who plays with the Saskatoon Blades) earned their spots on the team. They competed against players from around the country at a tryout camp in Calgary.

“[We] battled it out for a spot,” Maier said.

The Yorktonites secured their places in the team, joining their fellow players against Switzerland on Aug. 6 in Canada’s first game of the tournament. Maier played a strong game, achieving an impressive shutout as Canada steamrolled Switzerland 10-0.

“[I give] a lot of credit to my team,” Maier said.

Canada trounced Slovakia (4-2) and Sweden (4-3) before facing their biggest challenge in the United States team on Aug. 10.

“[You] always want to win against them,” Maier said.

The teams jockeyed for control during the game, trading points before Canada won 6-5 in overtime. Korczak was proud of his work in the game.

“I played solid defence against the States,” he said.

Canada faced Sweden again in the finals on Aug. 11, confidently dismantling their Scandinavian rivals 6-2 on their way to championship glory.

“It was awesome,” Maier said.

The Yorktonites plan to take the lessons they learned at the tournament with them as they continue in their hockey careers.

“Always have that ‘team first’ mentality,” Maier said.

“When you represent your country, you check your ego at the door,” Korczak said.