Projected first overall pick Connor Bedard's cousin coming to Edmonton

The tournament began today, August 5th and will run through August 10th. it will feature the big story of the 2026 projected 1st overall pick Gavin McKenna being present for this tournament who happens to be Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard's cousin through marriage.

This tournament was adopted in 1991 and is currently administered by three organizations who are Hockey Canada, Czech Ice Hockey Association and the Slovak Ice Hockey Association. It's named from two of the most prominent hockey players in the sports history.

Ivan Hlinka was one of the most well-known Czech players in the game who played two seasons in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks who had 42 goals and 81 assists on 137 games. He returned to the NHL in 2000 and 2001 when he was the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Gavin McKenna who is 16 years old is currently with the Medicine Hat tigers and has destroyed the WHL this season after scoring 29 goals in 54 assists for 83 points in 52 games. It will certainly be a treat for fans to watch him as he is preparing to being the 2026 first overall pick.