Rucks take pride in Hlinka Gretzky Cup experience

By JAMES TUBB on August 22, 2025.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

Markus and Liam Ruck have been racking up the passport stamps in their young career.

The twin Medicine Hat Tigers forwards are coming off a third-place finish with Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup held in Czechia and Slovakia. In 2024 they donned the red and white at the Youth Winter Olympics in South Korea with a domestic stop in Sarnia, Ont. last fall at the U17 Hockey Challenge.

“It’s been pretty cool, we’ve got to visit a lot of new places, meet a lot of different people just from playing the game at a high level,” Markus said. “It’s crazy what hockey can do for you, and we’re super lucky and happy.”

Canada finished third, beating Finland 3-0 on Aug. 16 to claim just the second bronze in the country’s history at the tournament, also securing the tournament-leading 30th medal. A loss to the U.S. in the semifinals, with fellow Tigers Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll and Noah Davidson playing the villain, dashed their golden hopes.

It’s not an original story the Rucks have found themselves in, losing to the U.S. and Gordon-Carroll in the semis of the Youth Winter Olympics, facing Finland in the bronze final. This time, they were able to capture the medal.

“We all wanted to be in the gold medal game, but lost a tough one in the semis and the coaches told us we needed to show some character and play hard in the bronze,” Liam said. “Our team came out pretty hard and didn’t give up a whole lot, that was a big win for us, and to at least come home with a medal.

Liam finished his tournament with two goals and four points, Markus had three assists, both playing five games. Getting the opportunity to play meaningful hockey in August sets them up for success with training camp around the corner Liam says. Beyond getting the high-end reps, Markus says there were lessons to take from the U18 tournament.

“Just playing the game the right way, turnovers cost you a lot, and I think puck management is huge,” Markus said. “Just keep playing as a team, stay positive and that’s going to help us this year.”

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup serves as the first look of the season for scouts and NHL teams ahead of the Entry Draft in June. Both Rucks are eligible for the draft this summer, something they’re taking in stride.

“Try to not think about it a whole lot because it’ll get to guys heads and whatnot,” Liam said. “But we know it’s our draft year and we have to be ready for it, so we’re excited for what’s to come this year.”

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