Canada's win in final at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup draws pitiful crowd in Edmonton

Edmonton hockey fans can be forgiven for not selling out the final game of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup between Team Canada and Team Czechia. It's summer after all, and most are likely thinking more about beaches and warm vacations than ice at the hockey arena. Still, you would think the top U-18 tournament in the world would draw enough people to make it look like someone actually showed up. That wasn't the case there.

Canada defeated Czechia 2-1in a nailbiter of a final in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup at Rogers Place on Saturday. Canada scored two in the first period, with Czechia scoring one in the third and trying to get the equalizer before the clock finally ran out. When it did, Canada's players spilled on to the ice to celebrate their hard earned victory, while the crowd roared. Well, not exactly a crowd. It was more like a handful of fans in one corner, while the camera panned over empty section after empty section while making its way to the Jumbotron for a close up on faces.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is 33 years old this year. Canada has won in all but four of those years. But, it's still the top tournament for showcasing players who are just about ready to be drafted to the NHL. As pointed out by Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is the potential first step to NHL stardom.

Again, no one expected these games to be sold out. But, it's a bit sad that so much potential on display wasn't enough to get more butts in seat.