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The Slovak under-18 national team faces the United States in the semifinal of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Friday, August 7, at 20:00 h, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament’s semifinal round since 2021.
Semifinal Clash at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup Against Team USA
The Slovak under-18 team advanced to the semifinal stage after strong performances in the group phase under head coach František Štolc. The squad meets an American selection that won Group B without dropping a point. This encounter represents the second time in tournament history that a Slovak under-18 team has reached this specific stage, mirroring the achievement of the 2004 and 2005 birth year generation.
Facing the United States requires strict defensive discipline and reliable goaltending. The American roster features a fast, technically skilled, and physically strong group of players. Head coach František Štolc prepares his players to rely on a complete team effort to counter the team’s speed.
Did you know?
The last time the Slovak under-18 team reached the Hlinka Gretzky Cup semifinal was in 2021, when the tournament took place on home ice and Slovakia finished as the tournament runner-up after falling to Russia in the final.
Television and Online Broadcast Options for the Semifinal
Fans wishing to watch the match live can access official broadcasts through exclusive rights holders on the Slovak territory. JOJ holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Television viewers can tune into the specialized sports channel JOJ Šport, where the live broadcast begins at 20:00 h, accompanied by a pre-match studio program starting shortly before the opening puck drop. For digital viewers, the official streaming platform JOJ Play provides live online access across computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Pro Tip:
If you cannot access the video broadcast, real-time updates and a minute-by-minute text commentary are available directly on ŠPORT.sk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Slovakia vs. USA semifinal match start?
The opening puck drop for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup semifinal is scheduled for Friday, August 7, at 20:00 h.
Where can I watch the Hlinka Gretzky Cup semifinal live on television?
The match is broadcast live on the specialized television channel JOJ Šport, which holds the exclusive rights for the tournament in Slovakia.
How can I stream the game online?
Fans can watch the official live stream on the JOJ Play streaming platform or follow the minute-by-minute text commentary on ŠPORT.sk.
Who coaches the Slovak under-18 ice hockey team?
The team is led by head coach František Štolc.
Join the Discussion: How do you think the Slovak team will handle the speed of the American squad tonight? Leave a comment below and share your score predictions!