Langford’s Giorgos Pantelas made his way to Europe this summer – not for a vacation, but to don the Maple Leaf on one of hockey’s biggest international stages.
The 17-year-old defenceman has been named to Canada’s roster for the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, running Aug. 11-16 in Czechia and Slovakia.
He’s among 25 players selected to chase Canada’s fourth consecutive gold at the prestigious under-18 summer tournament, which showcases top draft-eligible talent from around the world.
Pantelas – a 6'2" blueliner with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings – earned his spot after attending Hockey Canada’s selection camp from July 29 to Aug. 1. It marks his second time representing Canada internationally, having suited up at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
"Giorgos' high-end hockey sense allows him to make the right decisions with and without the puck. He also has a great stick defensively. His stick and body positioning makes it very challenging for the opposition," Chris Moulton, Brandon Wheat Kings director of hockey operations, said about the Langford product.
His selection adds another chapter to a rapidly rising career that expedited in Langford and has now taken him to one of junior hockey’s most prominent stages.
Canada has topped the podium in each of the last three years at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, beating Czechia in both the 2023 and 2024 finals after defeating Sweden in 2022.
This year’s roster features several high-end defensive prospects, including 16-year-old Landon Dupont – granted exceptional status into the WHL by the Everett Silvertips – Vancouver Giants defenceman Ryan Lin, and former Victoria Royals standout Keaton Verhoeff.
"We believe this is an elite group that brings international experience and a determination to continue our success at the tournament,” said Peter Anholt, Hockey Canada’s director of player personnel. “Our selection camp was highly competitive and provided an opportunity for our players to showcase themselves against the top talent in the country."
Before the tournament begins, Canada’s under-18 squad will play pre-tournament games against Hungary’s U20 team in Budapest on Aug. 7 and against Slovakia in Piestany on Aug. 9.
Canada opens group play against Finland on Aug. 11, followed by Switzerland on Aug. 12 and host Czechia on Aug. 13.
Sweden, the U.S., Slovakia and Germany will compete in Group B on the opposite side of the bracket.
The semifinals are set for Aug. 15, with the gold medal game scheduled for Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. PT.
The tournament has long been a proving ground for future NHL stars, with past Canadian rosters featuring the likes of Paul Kariya (1991), Jarome Iginla (1994), Joe Thornton (1996), Sidney Crosby (2003), Carey Price (2004), Steven Stamkos (2007) and Nathan MacKinnon (2012), to name just a few.
In 32 years of summer under-18 competition, Canada has captured 25 gold medals – five times more than any other nation. Russia, with five, ranks second.
The tournament will be broadcast on TSN.
