“USA runs hockey”: NHL fans react as Team USA eliminates Canada in Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Team Canada fell in a tough 4-3 shootout loss against Team USA at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Brno, Czechia, on Friday.

The Canadian squad came back after being down 3-1 in the third period of their semi-final matchup against the Americans. However, the US pulled out the victory in the shootout. The win prompted an eruption among hockey fans on social media.

Fans wrote about Team USA’s victory:

“USA runs hockey nothin new,” one opined.

“American dominance over the 51st state continues,” another chimed in.

“RAHHHH AMERICAS SPORT,” one wrote.

Meanwhile, other fans took advantage of the opportunity to criticize the shootout itself. These fans called for an end to the shootout in tournaments such as the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

They wrote on X:

“Shootout in these tournaments really needs to go,” a fan commented.

“GIVE US UNLIMITED OT NOBODY LIKES SHOOTOUTS. GG tho,” one fan remarked.

“What a lazy shootout attempt! Pathetic!” another fan posted on X.

Team USA will face its Swedish counterparts in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup final scheduled for Saturday.

Team USA going for gold at Hlinka Gretzky Cup final

Team USA’s victory on Friday put it on a path to earn the gold medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Despite blowing a 3-1 lead, the American squad held it together during overtime, forcing the shootout. The victory over the Canadian squad was particularly meaningful as part of the ongoing rivalry between the two North American sides. Canada’s streak of three consecutive gold medals at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup came to an end with the loss.

Meanwhile, Team Sweden defeated Team Finland in the other semi-final. The Finns blew a 5-2 lead with a little over 12 minutes to go in the third period. The Swedes forced overtime, notching the game-winner at 2:27 of the extra frame.

With the win, Sweden set a date with the Americans for gold. Canada will face off against Finland for the bronze medal.

Team USA player Balke Zielinski said about his team’s win at the Hlinka Gretzky tourney:

“Obviously, it’s a special feeling any time you can knock off Canada but we’ve got one more, so we’ve just gotta be ready to take it to whoever we play tomorrow and get the job done.”

Zielinski, as quoted by The Hockey News, underscored the Americans’ attitude heading into Saturday’s final. A win would mark a major achievement for the American side after winning gold at the World Junior Championships earlier this year.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama

Edited by Nestor Quixtan