By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Hlinka Gretzky Cup stops in Red Deer ahead of August tournament

Jun 27, 2018 | 11:59 AM

In just over one month, the best of the best young hockey players from around the world will descend upon central Alberta for the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The world-class event pits the best under-18 players from eight countries against each other. Alumni include Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, as well as 77 players selected in the 2018 NHL Draft, seven of which were taken in the top 10.

Pool B will play all of its round robin games at Red Deer’s brand new Servus Arena between Aug. 6-8. The group includes Finland, Russia, Czech Republic and USA. Team Canada will play a pre-competition game against the Czechs in Red Deer on Aug. 4.

Additional exhibition games have been scheduled for Penhold, Sylvan Lake and Lacombe also on Aug. 4. The rest of the tournament will be played in Edmonton.

Ticket information for games in Red Deer on the Tickets Alberta website.

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The Canadian squad will be rounded up at the end of July for camp at Calgary’s Markin McPhail Centre at Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park.

Red Deer and Edmonton are poised to host this tournament again in 2020 and 2022. As with all Hockey Canada events, net proceeds from the event remain in the host province and help support grassroots hockey initiatives.

The estimated economic impact for the region is around $5 million.

More information is at HlinkaGretzkyCup.com.