Oakville Players Shine as Canada Unveils Hlinka-Gretzky Roster

Hockey Canada has announced its roster for the upcoming Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, set to take place in Czechia and Slovakia from August 11-16, 2023. Among the selected players are three talented athletes from Oakville: Ethan Belchetz, Dimian Zhilkin, and Callum Croskery. All three players showcased their skills during the recent selection camp held in Oakville, earning their spots on the team through impressive performances.

Ethan Belchetz stands out as a formidable winger, measuring an impressive 6 feet 5 inches. He had a noteworthy rookie season with the Windsor Spitfires, where he recorded 38 points in 56 games. His contributions were vital to the team’s strong regular season; however, an injury sidelined him during the playoffs, preventing the Spitfires from advancing beyond the second round. Belchetz is eager to make an impact on Team Canada in this prestigious tournament.

Meanwhile, Dimian Zhilkin brings a different skill set to the roster. Despite his smaller stature, Zhilkin has proven to be a highly skilled forward. His exceptional hockey intelligence and playmaking abilities were evident during the selection camp, particularly while collaborating with Belchetz and Alessandro Di Lorio of the Sarnia Sting. Zhilkin had a successful rookie season with the Saginaw Spirit, tallying 43 points in 54 games. He aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming tournament.

Callum Croskery rounds out the Oakville contingent and is poised to be a critical asset on the Canadian defensive line. He possesses strong skating skills and a keen ability to thwart opposing scoring opportunities. His presence will add much-needed stability to Canada’s defense, which is crucial in high-stakes tournaments. Making this team was a primary goal for Croskery during the off-season, and he considers his selection an honour.

The Hlinka-Gretzky Cup is a significant event in the hockey calendar, showcasing the best young talent from around the world. Canada has a proud history in this tournament, and the inclusion of these three players from Oakville adds to the excitement as they aim to secure a fourth consecutive gold medal.

As the tournament approaches, fans are encouraged to support these athletes on their journey to represent Canada on the international stage. Good luck to Ethan Belchetz, Dimian Zhilkin, and Callum Croskery as they strive for success in Czechia and Slovakia.