CHL Top 10 shifts as Canada’s World Juniors tune up begins

CALGARY – Momentum is building across junior hockey, from the CHL ranks to the national stage, as elite teams and top prospects continue to separate themselves during a critical phase of the season.

The Canadian Hockey League’s latest Top-10 Rankings highlight just how competitive the landscape has become. Everett has climbed to the top spot after becoming the first CHL club to reach 25 wins, driven by sustained consistency and a stretch of dominant play. Brantford remains firmly in contention near the top, while Prince Albert continues its rise, reinforced by recent roster additions and a strong run of results.

Several clubs are trending upward at the right time. Chicoutimi has extended its point streak and moved into the upper tier, Flint has re-entered the rankings behind productive offence and reliable goaltending, and Medicine Hat has pushed into the Top 10 on a prolonged point streak that reflects its championship pedigree. Across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL, the rankings underscore a league defined by depth, parity, and momentum rather than geography.

That same competitive energy now carries over to the international stage as Canada’s National Junior Team enters its final tune-up phase ahead of the IIHF World Junior Championship. Pre-tournament games offer a critical opportunity for players to establish chemistry, refine special teams, and solidify roles before the tournament begins.

Canada’s opening matchup against Sweden sets the tone both on and off the ice. The team will wear commemorative Rise as One helmet stickers as part of a nationwide initiative connecting national team athletes with more than 115,000 women and girls playing hockey across Canada, reinforcing a shared identity and commitment to the game’s growth.

With additional pre-tournament games against Sweden and Denmark, the focus remains on preparation and performance. These matchups provide valuable game speed and structure against international opponents who demand precision and discipline.

From CHL clubs climbing the rankings to Canada’s junior team sharpening its edge, the pathway is clear. The foundation is being set now, and the standard continues to rise across junior hockey.

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.