USA defeats CHL 4–2 in Calgary to open 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge

CALGARY —The United States National Team Development Program Under-18 squad opened the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge with a 4–2 win over Team CHL on Tuesday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The game featured elite pace, heavy pressure, and standout performances from several players expected to headline the 2026 NHL Draft class.

USA struck first at 7:29 of the opening period when Dayne Beuker finished in tight off a feed from Michael Berchild. The Americans extended their lead early in the second frame as Sammy Nelson was credited with a goal following a net-front scramble after CHL goaltender Harrison Boettiger turned aside Luke Schairer’s initial chance.

Team CHL finally broke through on its 25th shot of the night. At 13:53 of the second period, forward Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds buried a one-timer off a clear setup from captain Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs and winger Mathis Preston of the Spokane Chiefs, cutting the deficit to 2–1.

USA restored its two-goal advantage just over six minutes into the third. Wyatt Cullen converted on the power play at 6:46, using a screen from Logan Stuart and beating Boettiger with a wrist shot from the high slot. The goal gave the Americans much-needed breathing room in a game where the CHL had significantly out-shot them.

Preston, who led all CHL skaters with two points on the night, drew his team back within one. The Chiefs forward wired a wrister from the top of the right circle with 6:43 remaining in regulation, capitalizing on a late push by the CHL group. However, an empty-net marker from Jamie Glance sealed the result and delivered the NTDP’s first-ever victory at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge.

Boettiger made 23 saves for Team CHL, while USA goaltender Brady Knowling turned aside 42 shots in a standout performance that drew praise from both benches.

Team CHL captain Caleb Malhotra said the group expected more of itself. “We were too casual going in. Nobody in there put their best foot forward and we know that, so we’re going to come back better tomorrow,” he said post-game.

Head coach Willie Desjardins echoed the sentiment, noting the NTDP’s strong start. “I think they were more ready at the start. They had a lot to prove from last year. They’ve got really good speed on that team. We didn’t give them much in the second and third, but it was too late by then.”

Game 2 of the two-game series will be played Wednesday night in Lethbridge. If the NTDP wins, they will clinch the event. A CHL victory would send the series to a deciding “third game,” a continuous three-on-three Super OT played after an ice flood until a goal is scored.

Fans in Canada can watch the game live on TSN and RDS at 6 p.m. MT. In the United States, the broadcast will air live on NHL Network, with Victory+ carrying the international stream. A limited number of tickets for the Lethbridge game remain available.

The CHL USA Prospects Challenge, introduced in 2024, showcases elite NHL Draft-eligible players from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL against the top talent from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. Fifteen CHL players in this year’s event carry “A” ratings on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List, including Carson Carels, Ethan Belchetz, and Egor Shilov.

Canada Explodes for 8 in Third to Rout Switzerland 9–1

BRNO, Czechia — Team Canada erupted for eight third-period goals en route to a dominant 9–1 win over Switzerland in Group A action at the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup at Winning Group Arena.

After a scoreless opening frame that saw Canada kill three penalties, Dimian Zhilkin (Windsor, ON) opened the scoring on the power play just eight seconds into the second period, assisted by Landon DuPont (Calgary, AB) and Ethan Belchetz (Oakville, ON). That 1–0 margin held through 40 minutes as Swiss goaltender Yannis Zambelli turned aside numerous Canadian chances.

The floodgates opened in the third period. Mathis Preston (Penticton, BC) made it 2–0 at 6:18 from Markus Ruck (Osoyoos, BC). Just 20 seconds later, Zhilkin struck again, assisted by Pierce Mbuyi (Mississauga, ON) and Tynan Lawrence (Fredericton, NB). Adam Valentini (Toronto, ON) extended the lead to 4–0 at 7:02 from Thomas Rousseau (Saint-Eustache, QC), before Preston netted his second of the period at 8:40 from Liam Ruck (Osoyoos, BC) and Ryan Lin (Richmond, BC).

Switzerland broke Carter Esler’s (Okotoks, AB) shutout bid at 13:14 when Yanis Lutz scored from Thierry Berger. Canada answered quickly — Preston completed his hat trick at 13:59 from Markus Ruck, Valentini added his second at 15:04 from Daxon Rudolph (St. Albert, AB) and Rousseau, and Belchetz scored at 17:32 from Alessandro Di Iorio (Vaughn, ON) and Colin Fitzgerald (Peterborough, ON). Lin capped the scoring at 19:26 from Rousseau.

Esler stopped 14 of 15 shots for a .933 save percentage. Zambelli made 35 saves on 44 shots (.795) and was named Switzerland’s Player of the Game. Preston earned the honour for Canada with three goals and one assist. Rousseau finished with three assists, while Zhilkin and Valentini each scored twice.

Day 2 Tournament Results:
Sweden 5–3 United States (Trencin)
Germany vs. Slovakia – later today in Trencin
Czechia vs. Finland – later today in Brno

Standings Update:
Canada improves to 2–0 (6 points) to lead Group A. Sweden moves to 2–0 atop Group B.

Next Game:
Canada will face Czechia on Wednesday, August 13, at 12:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. MT in Brno to close out the preliminary round. Playoffs begin Friday, August 15, with the gold medal game set for Saturday, August 16.

Provectus Media will provide daily Canada-first coverage throughout the tournament from Brno.