Penticton’s Mathis Preston Shines at Hilinka Gretzky Cup, Canada 3-0

UPDATE: Penticton’s rising star, Mathis Preston, is making headlines as he leads Canada to a dominant 3-0 record at the 2025 Hilinka Gretzky Cup. The 17-year-old forward for the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs has scored three goals and tallied four points in his first two games, showcasing his skills on an international stage.

In a stunning display on August 12, Canada crushed Switzerland 9-1, with Preston netting a hat trick. Just one day later, he contributed an assist in a commanding 5-0 victory over Czechia. Earlier in the tournament, Preston also assisted during Canada’s 5-3 win against Finland, marking an impressive start to the U18 tournament.

Joining Preston are Osoyoos twins Liam and Markus Ruck, who have combined with him for an incredible 12 points across three games. Liam scored twice in the recent match against Czechia, while Markus added three assists, highlighting their chemistry and shared history in the South Okanagan.

The excitement continues as Canada prepares to take on the United States in a highly anticipated semi-finals match on August 15 in Brno, Czechia. This showdown promises to be thrilling, with all matches being broadcast on TSN. The tournament’s gold and bronze medal games are scheduled for August 16, keeping fans eagerly awaiting the results.

Preston’s performance comes off the heels of an impressive season where he amassed 45 points in 54 games with Spokane. He also contributed 16 points during the Chiefs’ playoff run, solidifying his status as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. As a graduate of the Penticton Minor Hockey Association and the Okanagan Hockey Academy, Preston’s journey has garnered attention and admiration from fans and scouts alike.

This tournament not only showcases the future of hockey talent but also highlights the personal stories and connections among young athletes. With the semi-finals looming, all eyes are on Preston and his teammates as they aim to bring home the gold for Canada.

Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses and the excitement builds!