Three Greater Toronto Hockey League alumni are Hlinka Gretzky Cup champions after helping Canada capture gold on home ice in Edmonton.
Charlie Murata (Don Mills Flyers), Camryn Warren (Toronto Jr. Canadiens), and Aleks Kulemin (Don Mills Flyers) were part of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team that completed a perfect run through the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, culminating in an 8-1 victory over the United States in the gold-medal game on August 8.
Canada was dominant throughout the tournament, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record and outscoring its opponents 34-12. The Canadians opened preliminary-round play with a 7-3 win over Switzerland before defeating Slovakia 6-1 and Sweden 7-4 to finish atop Group A. A 6-3 semifinal victory over Finland sent Canada to the championship game, where the hosts produced their most convincing result of the tournament against the United States.
The gold medal marked Canada’s record-extending 26th title at the annual summer U18 tournament.
For Warren, the tournament included an impressive offensive showing. The Toronto Jr. Canadiens alumnus and 2025 OHL Cup most valuable player, finished among the tournament’s top 10 scorers with seven points. He made an immediate impact in Canada’s tournament opener against Switzerland, scoring once and adding an assist in the 7-3 victory.
Murata, a Don Mills Flyers alumnus, also contributed to Canada’s offensive attack throughout the event. The Toronto product recorded two assists over five tournament games, including a helper on a shorthanded goal in Canada’s opening victory over Switzerland.
Kulemin joined Murata in representing the Don Mills Flyers among Canada’s gold-medal group. The Woodbridge native appeared in four games during the tournament as Canada rolled through the field without a loss.
Canada saved its best performance for the championship game against the United States. Canada built a 3-1 advantage through 20 minutes, followed by adding three more goals in the second period and another two in the third to secure an 8-1 victory.
The GTHL congratulates Charlie Murata, Camryn Warren, and Aleks Kulemin, along with their families, former coaches and teammates, and everyone with Team Canada on an outstanding tournament and a well-earned gold medal.
