The Call to Greatness: Teamwork, Pride, and a Goalie’s Journey to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Few moments compare to that instant when a young goalie receives their invitation to the world-renowned Hlinka Gretzky Cup—the most prestigious U18 tournament in hockey.

For most goalies, this is the dream. For our Yannis Zambelli , it’s now reality.

But behind every dream come true, there’s always a story of teamwork, dedication, and countless hours on and off the ice. As anyone who loves hockey knows, a goalie’s journey isn’t a solo mission. It’s a partnership—a dance—between player and coach.

At P35 Sports, we believe that the spark of talent is only the beginning; the real magic happens through shared hard work, constant feedback, and relentless attention to the details that turn “good” into “great.”

Yannis has been carving his path with years of quiet sacrifice, fierce focus, and everyday courage. His call-up to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a moment to celebrate not just for him, but for the whole P35 Sports family. The practices, the tough conversations, the quick glances on the bench—all the unseen moments add up.

At P35 Sports, we’re lucky to have the leadership of Coach Paolo Della Bella, whose background as Head of Goalie Development for HC Lugano Juniors and experience at the highest international level with the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation lights the way.

His vision and care help shape an environment where goalies can push their limits while always knowing they’ve got a mentor in their corner.

But make no mistake: today, the spotlight is firmly on Yannis. His commitment—day after day, drill after drill—is the true story. It’s about a young athlete transforming potential into pure performance, about trusting the process, and about daring to believe when the call finally arrives.

Congratulations, Yannis, on earning your spot at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Your journey inspires every player who dreams big, works hard, and never stops believing. We’re proud of the goalie—and the teammate—you’ve become.

For all the P35 Sports family, this is what it’s all about: passion, partnership, and that unbeatable feeling when effort meets opportunity.

Let’s go, Yannis! Make every save count.