Vanicek, Kachlir, Stroeder, Chipchura to Represent Home Countries at Hlinka Gretzky
WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Vanicek, Kachlir, Stroeder, Chipchura to Represent Home Countries at Hlinka Gretzky

Published on July 31, 2026 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Edmonton, Alta. - A trio Edmonton Oil Kings prospects and current players are set to represent their countries at the upcoming Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton.

Recent 2026 CHL Prospects Draft picks Jonas Vanicek and Lukas Kachlir will take the ice for Czechia as they look to improve on a fifth-place finish in 2025.

Vanicek, a 2009-born forward out of Decin, Czechia, was recently signed by the Oil Kings and will enter his first WHL season. Vanicek had 20 points in 15 games for HC Energie Karlovy Vary's U20 squad last season, along with 29 points in 10 games for the U17 club. Meanwhile, in 12 games during the 2025/2026 season with Czechia's U17 team, Vanicek had eight points in 12 games.

Vanicek was the 56th overall selection at the 2026 CHL Prospects Draft.

Meanwhile, Kachlir was drafted 51st overall at the 2026 CHL Prospects Draft and is set to play at his second Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Czechia after earning four points in four games at the 2025 event. Kachlir has also represented Czechia at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge twice, and the World Under-18 Hockey Championships in 2025. Kachlir spent the 2025/2026 season playing for Bili Tygri Liberec, mainly for the U20 squad where he had 27 points in 29 games. He also suited up for the pro club for 13 games.

Heading into his second full WHL season, Stroeder is set to don the maple leaf for the second time after playing for Team Canada White at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He had six points in five games at the tournament, winning silver. Stroeder already has 71 games under his belt in the WHL where he has 18 goals and 22 assists. He also added five points in six playoff games this past season.

Behind the bench for Team Canada at the tournament will also be Oil Kings Assistant Coach and Manager of Player Development Kyle Chipchura.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup will take place from August 3 to 8 in Edmonton at Rogers Place and the Downtown Community Arena.

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Western Hockey League Stories from July 31, 2026


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