Rihards and Gustavs Griva and what we learned on Day 5 of the U18 Worlds

Rihards Griva and Gustavs Griva, 17-year-old twins from Germany, have played together through all of their important years in hockey.

That breads natural chemistry.

It also brings a brotherly rivalry.

“Yeah, we have a competition in everything,” Gustavs said. “A healthy rivalry between us in everything we do.”

“Sometimes it’s fun, when you win,” Rihards added. “But if you lose, it’s not as fun.” 

That competition is evident when someone mentions that Rihards produced more points this season in Germany’s U20 league. He had 83 points (36 goals, 47 assists) in 39 games. He edged Gustavs, who record 79 points (24 goals, 55 assists) in 40 games, by four. 

Gustavs holds the edge through three games at the 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, however. He has produced two points, both assists, and Rihards has yet to get on the scoresheet.

Regardless, they’re staples on Germany’s international entries wherever they’ve gone. 

The pair has competed together in friendlies at the U16, U17, and U18 levels together, and were key members of Germany’s entry at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August.

“Really good, because it’s at the beginning of the season, so you know what the standard is like for the rest of the season.” Gustavs said. “Also, because we play in Germany, the level is not so high like in North America, so we know the standard we have to practice and play for the World Juniors.”

“From the Hlinka on for the whole year, the Worlds was the big aim,” Rihards added. “We tried to prepare ourselves for this tournament.”

Now that the brothers are here, it means a ton to the both of them.

“Yeah, we’re very proud,” Gustavs said. “Proud that they give us the trust to play together and also good ice time.”

“It’s just a lot of fun,” Rihards said. “We get to play for Germany, and it’s just a lot of fun.”

Together.

Top Performances

David Lewandowski looked excellent for Germany in a 5-4 win against Switzerland. Lewandowski played a violent style on the forecheck and made his presence truly felt. He led rushes for Germany all game long, showing off strong skating and especially strong edges, to maneuver through and around Swiss defenders. His hands also flashed in this one, with several displays of strong stickhandling. He finished with a goal, too. 

Carlos Handel was the most productive player for Germany, though. Handel scored twice 19 seconds apart to set the tone in the first period. He also added an assist and played a game-high 24:15 en route to being named best player for his side.

Ben Kindel was a late addition to the U18 Worlds for Canada, and he’s quickly made up for lost time. Kindel, who joined after Calgary of the Western Hockey League was eliminated from playoff contention, displayed elite speed and great offensive instincts shined throughout the contest. His shooting is particularly impressive, as he really let the puck rip while moving at that speed, allowing him to be a threat at all times. Add to it a strong playmaking ability, and you have the epitome of a dual threat. Not surprisingly, then, that Kindel ended with a goal and an assist.

Quotables

“He’s a really good captain, he speaks a lot. He pushes the team. Always thinks positive, he’s really a great captain. He’s a really good defenseman, helps by talking a lot, communicating with me. Just a really good captain.” — Switzerland goaltender Jovin Trachsel on Swiss captain Guus van der Kaaij

Scouting report

“Jack Nesbitt is a lanky and strong power forward who effectively uses his long wingspan when forechecking, covering extensive ice, and disrupting breakouts. His skating is notably smooth, displaying solid balance and fluid edgework that allow him to win some races and subtly change pace. While not a burner, with heavy feet limiting his straight-line speed, he compensates with decent mobility in general. He exhibits slick hands in possession, enabling him to maneuver through sticks in the middle lane and challenge defenders one-on-one. He also shows decent off-wall distribution and shooting skills, hinting at some offensive versatility. Thanks to his imposing frame, reliable two-way game, puck possession skills, and strong hockey IQ, Nesbitt projects as a very intriguing player. With more speed and pace in his game, he could blossom into a solid middle-six NHL forward who brings secondary offensive production, physicality, and two-way prowess. He is a legitimate candidate to hear his name called late in the first round or early in the second round of the 2025 draft.” — FCHockey scout Joey Fortin Boulay

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