Team CHL names staff for 2026 USA Prospects Challenge

Photo by Canadian Hockey League (CHL)

The Canadian Hockey League has named the coaching and management staff for Team CHL at the 2026 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Primaris, set for Dec. 1-2 in Chicoutimi and Québec City.

North Bay Battalion head coach Ryan Oulahen will run the bench for Team CHL. He will be joined by assistant coaches Ryan McDonald (Prince Albert Raiders), Brad MacKenzie (Halifax Mooseheads) and Kyle Chipchura (Edmonton Oil Kings), with Matthew Smith (Newfoundland Regiment) serving as video coach and Yanick Lemay (Drummondville Voltigeurs) returning as general manager.

All six helped Canada capture gold at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, where the team went a perfect 5-0 capped by an 8-1 win over the United States in the final. All five coaches held the same roles with that team while Lemay served as assistant general manager.

“Ryan and this staff have already delivered on the international stage, helping Canada capture gold at this summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “Their success reflects the strength of coaching and player development across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. In a two-game series, building chemistry quickly is essential, and their experience working together will be a valuable asset for our players.”

“I am extremely honoured to represent the CHL in this year’s CHL USA Prospects Challenge,” said Oulahen, who is also North Bay’s assistant general manager. “Having the opportunity to work with the coaching staff from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is very special as well. We built a lot of trust and chemistry together and look forward to preparing this talented group of CHL players.”

Oulahen was also an assistant coach at the inaugural 2024 edition, helping Team CHL earn a series win over the U.S. National Under-18 Team in London and Oshawa, Ont. This year’s two-game set pits top 2027 NHL Draft prospects from the WHL, OHL and QMJHL against the Americans. Seattle’s Brock England and Saint John’s Alexis Joseph are among the first four players already named to Team CHL.