Hlinka Gretzky Cup Recap: United States 4, Slovakia 2

RED DEER, Alta. – A 33-save performance from Hampton Slukynsky lifted the United States to a 4-2 win over Slovakia on Friday for fifth place at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The product of Warrod, Minn., ended the tournament with a 1-1 record and a save percentage of .926. His counterpart, Slovakian goaltender Samuel Urban finished with 32 saves in the loss.

Slovakia started quick, as Leo Eperješi scooped up his own rebound and tucked in his first of the tournament for a 1-0 lead five minutes into the game. The U.S. pushed back late in the period as Joe Connor scored on a tipped shot from in tight.

The American power play went to work late in the first period as Andrew Strathman wired a shot from the point with 1:14 remaining in the opening frame to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead to end the first.

At 3:39 in the second period, Tanner Adams tipped home a great pass from Lucas St. Louis as the U.S. scored on its second power play in as many chances. The man-advantage unit finished 2-for-3 on the night and 6-for-16 for the tournament.

Zack Sharp cleaned up a rebound to snap home a 4-1 goal early in the third while the U.S. had a six-on-five advantage on a delayed penalty call. Slovakia answered with a physical forecheck that produced a chance for Juraj Pekarčik, who tucked in his first of the tournament just under the pads of Slukynsky to make it a 4-2 game and finish the scoring.