Alumni Invited to Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp

Jr. Sabres Alumni Gerry DiCunzolo and Sawyer Schmidt Earn Invitations to 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp

The Buffalo Jr. Sabres continue to be well represented on the international stage as alumni Gerry DiCunzolo and Sawyer Schmidt have been selected to participate in USA Hockey’s 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp, taking place July 23-27 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both players will compete for a spot on the final 23-man U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team that will represent the United States at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta, from August 3-8. 

The invitation is a significant achievement for both players and serves as another example of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres' commitment to developing elite talent capable of competing at the highest levels of junior hockey.

DiCunzolo, a Buffalo native, recently completed his rookie season with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League. The 17-year-old forward was selected by Peterborough in the third round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection after starring at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School. He has also built a strong international résumé, highlighted by an impressive performance at the U17 Four Nations Tournament, where he recorded eight points in four games for Team USA. His selection camp invitation reflects the continued confidence USA Hockey has in his offensive abilities and potential on the international stage. 

Schmidt’s invitation comes after a season that showcased his ability to excel at multiple levels. Before joining the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, Schmidt spent time with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, where he produced 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists) in 33 games. The Buffalo native went on to make his OHL debut with Saginaw and also gained valuable experience with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U17 squad. His strong development path has now earned him an opportunity to compete for a place on one of USA Hockey’s premier international teams. 

USA Hockey invited 36 players to this year’s selection camp, bringing together many of the top American-born players in the 2008 age group. Camp participants will take part in practices and evaluation games as the coaching staff determines the roster that will travel to Edmonton. Team USA enters the tournament looking to defend its 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup championship against some of the best under-18 players from around the world. 

For the Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization, the selections of DiCunzolo and Schmidt are another testament to the program’s reputation as a launching pad for elite hockey talent. Both players have taken unique paths through the Jr. Sabres system, but each has demonstrated the skill, character, and work ethic necessary to earn opportunities on the international stage.

As they head to St. Paul later this month, DiCunzolo and Schmidt will carry not only their own aspirations but also the pride of the Buffalo hockey community. The entire Jr. Sabres family congratulates Gerry and Sawyer on this outstanding accomplishment and wishes them the best of luck as they compete for a chance to wear the red, white, and blue at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.