Filip Hornacek Named to Slovakia's Hlinka Gretzky Cup Roster

It's been an exciting summer for Filip Hornacek, and another big milestone has now been added to his resume.

The 2009-born Slovak goaltender has officially been named to Slovakia's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, one of the most prestigious international tournaments for under-18 players. The event brings together many of the top young players from around the world and is widely recognized as one of the first major showcases for future NHL Draft prospects.

Earlier this summer, Filip was also selected by the Anchorage Wolverines in the 2026 NAHL Draft, giving him another outstanding opportunity to continue his development in North America. The NAHL has become one of the top junior leagues for players looking to earn NCAA Division I opportunities while preparing for professional hockey, and Anchorage has built a strong reputation for developing talent.

Earning a spot on Slovakia's Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster is another reflection of the work Filip has put into his game over the last several years. Goaltenders at this age are constantly developing, and opportunities like this allow them to compete against elite shooters while gaining valuable international experience. Playing for your country is something every young player dreams about, and it's an opportunity that few get to experience.

Filip's journey is one we're excited to follow. His path is similar to that of Leo Henriquez, who represented Rule 1 Sports before being selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2026 NHL Draft. Leo also gained valuable experience competing against high-level talent before his draft year, and events like the Hlinka Gretzky Cup play an important role in preparing players for what's ahead. While every player's development is different, Filip has continued to put himself in positions to succeed. Between earning a spot in North American junior hockey and now representing Slovakia on the international stage, he's building a strong foundation as he works toward his long-term goals.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup will give Filip the opportunity to compete against many of the best players in his age group from hockey powers including Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Switzerland, and Slovakia. It's an environment that challenges players every shift and provides invaluable experience as they continue their development.

Everyone at Rule 1 Sports is proud to see Filip earn this opportunity and excited to watch him represent Slovakia on one of the biggest stages in international hockey.

Congratulations, Filip, on being named to the 2026 Slovakia Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster. We can't wait to watch you compete and look forward to seeing what the future holds. Best of luck this summer!