'It's Crazy to Think You'Re a World Champion for Your Age Group:' Krebs Reflects on Capturing Hlinka Gretzky Cup with Team Canada
Published on August 26, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kootenay Ice News Release
Cranbrook, B.C. - It's a feeling that is rare for a hockey player as young as ICE forward Peyton Krebs; the feeling of capturing a gold medal and calling yourself a World Champion at the age of 17.
Krebs was a vital part of Team Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, a tournament held from August 6-11 in Edmonton, Alberta that showcased the world's best hockey players under the age of 18.
After a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory over the U.S. in the semi-finals where Krebs assisted on the game-winner, the Canadians flexed their muscles in a 6-2 drubbing of Team Sweden in the finals.
"It's crazy to think that you're a World Champion for your age group," explained Krebs, looking back at the Gold Medal win. "It was a special moment for sure."
The gold medal final didn't start the way the Canadians wanted. Sweden's Lucas Raymond picked the top corner on the power play less than one minute into the game to give the Swedes an early lead. Canada's deficit would expand to 2-0 after Alexander Holtz scored 11 minutes later.
Despite the slow start, Krebs said the Canadians weren't discouraged by Sweden's early lead.
"Just keeping with our game. We knew we could dominate, obviously we had the depth of any dream team for our age for sure, and I think when you have that, you have trust in your line-up and once we got rolling I don't think they had a chance."
The Canadians bounced back with three goals in the remaining eight minutes and took a 3-2 lead into the dressing room after the opening frame. Canada added three more goals in the final 40 minutes and captured the gold medal with a decisive 6-2 victory.
Overall, Krebs was pleased with his performance, finishing with two goals and five points in five games.
"Obviously, you're just coming out of the summer so you're still trying to get back in your groove but by the end of the tournament I think I was playing well."
And, Krebs stated the experience at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup was a special one.
"[As] you're skating around you always get a little smile on your face 'cause you're like 'holy man, I've dreamed of playing here and I've watched so many guys put this jersey on."
Krebs also pointed out listening to Wayne Gretzky speak to the team and playing in Rogers Place as the other highlights of the tournament.
"I'm just going to keep working hard, having fun and I'm very grateful for my experience and I'm going to take away all I can from it and take it to this year."
Krebs will be hitting the ice on Monday, August 27th in Cranbrook. Training Camp presented by Wildstone Golf Course begins on Friday, August 24. The 2018 Training Camp Showcase presented by The Brick at the Kimberley Civic Centre takes place on Wednesday, August 29.
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- 'It's Crazy to Think You'Re a World Champion for Your Age Group:' Krebs Reflects on Capturing Hlinka Gretzky Cup with Team Canada - Kootenay Ice
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