CALGARY — Wyatt Cullen's power-play goal 6:46 into the third period stood as the winner as the United States national under-18 team beat Team CHL 4-2 on Tuesday at Scotiabank Saddledome in the first game of the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
Dayne Beuker opened the scoring for the United States at 7:29 of the first period, assisted by Michael Berchild. Sammy Nelson made it 2-0 at 3:31 of the second, assisted by Luke Schairer, before Chase Reid got the CHL on the board at 13:53, assisted by Caleb Malhotra and Mathis Preston.
Cullen's goal, assisted by A.J. Francisco, was the only power-play goal of the game. Preston cut the lead to 3-2 at 13:17 of the third, assisted by Carson Carels, and Jamie Glance scored into the empty net at 18:21 after Harrison Boettiger was pulled for an extra attacker with 2:20 remaining.
Team CHL outshot the United States 44-26, including 13-5 in the first period. Brady Knowling made 42 saves for the win, a .955 save percentage. Boettiger stopped 22 of 25 shots for the CHL. Team CHL went 0-for-5 on the power play; the United States was 1-for-2.
The two-game series concludes with Game 2 on Wednesday.