Top performers from the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge
It’s all equal now.
After the Canadian Hockey League won the first-ever CHL USA Prospects Challenge a year ago, the USA Hockey National Team Development Program won it this year, prevailing in a special Super Overtime affair on Wednesday night in Lethbridge.
This is one of the top prospect showcases of the year, with the best 2026 NHL Draft prospects from across the CHL, and with the USNTDP, battling it out in front of boatloads of scouts. With the showcase comprising of just a pair of games, it’s not enough to skyrocket someone up the standings. But for some players, a good showing could be enough to get scouts to keep a closer eye on them the rest of the way.
For individual game standouts, check out here for Game 1 and here for Game 2. For a bigger picture look, let’s look at the top players throughout the two days below:
CHL
#5 Carson Carels, D: In terms of pure defensive play, Carels was the CHL’s top blueliner this week. He did a great job of shutting down opponents on the rush and he was physical, too. While other defenders were trying to do a bit too much with the puck, Carels kept things simple at all times. He’s not flashy, but that’s fine – he’s tremendously reliable. Some scouts think he should be in contention for Canada’s World Junior team – I could see it happening.
#72 Xavier Villeneuve, D: From a more rounded perspective, I thought Villeneuve was the CHL’s best player, period. He might be small, but he’s so competitive and doesn’t let anyone get past him without a fight. Villeneuve had a few miscues with the puck, but usually would bounce back with an impressive play-break or an offensive zone rush. He had three shots in the first period alone on Wednesday, and then scored the game-winning goal on the power play to force Super Overtime. I could see Canada bringing him to the World Juniors to fire a ton of shots on net.
#94 Chase Reid, D: There are a ton of scouts who think Reid can go in the top three, and I thought this week was a good example of that. Reid was excellent at both ends of the ice. He had many high-end looks in the first game in particular, and eventually scored to make it 2-1. His play-reads were top-notch, and few players can make the quick, smart plays that he can. I like how he joins in as a fourth forward without sacrificing his defensive responsibilities.
#24 Maddox Dagenais, RW: Dagenais Was one of those players that really needed a good showing and I think he delivered. He’s not the most skilled player but he’s smart and he knows that he needs to drive through the middle to create opportunities. Dagenais did well in one-on-one situations and I thought he also battled exceptionally hard against some of USA’s stronger players. I think there’s a good chance he goes in the top 75 but I want to see his consistency ramp up. It’s good to see that he could show up in big moments though.
#27 Caleb Malhotra, C: Malhotra was the CHL’s most consistent forward, registering an assist on the first goal in Game 1 before scoring on a shorthanded breakaway in the final contest. He did a great job of attacking the middle of the ice and consistently made good passes in high-quality areas. Malhotra is a stout two-way forward who can play in all situations, including on the penalty kill. His stock will continue to rise as the season wears on.
#96 Mathis Preston, RW: Preston had a multi-point opening game and then had an assist on the game-winner on Wednesday. He’s a speedy, skilled forward who has had to do a lot of heavy lifting in Spokane, but was able to flourish a bit in Alberta. He did a good job of getting to the middle of the ice to re-direct chances and take space away. There were others who stood out a bit more, but his consistency caught my eye.
USA
#30 Brady Knowling, G: Knowling was extremely busy in the first game, facing nearly 30 shots in the opening 40 minutes before stopping over 40 overall. He couldn’t have done anything different on either CHL goal. But his movements, his size, his glove hand – all of that was on full display against a determined CHL squad. He’s a promising goalie for the draft, and his 6-foot-5 frame doesn’t hurt.
#7 Wyatt Cullen, C: Cullen was USA’s top player in the opening game, scoring twice. He was injured in the second game, which was a bummer given how noticeable he was. The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen is an excellent skater who can beat you in a foot race in so many different ways. Cullen hasn’t played much due to injury this year, but has six points in six games already. One knock against him last year was his lack of size at 5-foot-8 – at six-foot now, that’s not a concern. He won just about every battle and continued to make high-quality chances around the net.
#9 Sammy Nelson, RW: Nelson had a goal and an assist in the first game and then showed more of his defensive chops in the second game. He does an excellent job of getting to the front of the net and picking up rebounds, and he’s a great passer, too. He’s had a decent season, but has really turned the jets on with points in seven of his past eight games. His consistency and work ethic will get him noticed at the draft.
#12 Casey Mutryn, RW: I love Mutryn’s game. He’s always getting in the way and frustrating opponents. He’s tough to beat in 1-on-1 situations because he reads plays well. This week, I liked how hard he hit, and he did a good job of taking space away from the CHL’s attackers on the rush. Mutryn looks like a top 64 prospect – teams like players with a high level of competitiveness.
#17 Jamie Glance, RW (2027): Glance isn’t eligible for this draft, so he flew a bit under the radar. But he had a pair of goals to help build upon an impressive U-18 Five Nations tournament earlier this month. Glance plays a highly detailed game – a lot of what he does well doesn’t get rewarded on the scoresheet. He forces giveaways, does a good job of chasing after attackers, and draws penalties as well as anyone on the roster. That’s exactly what led to USA’s 3-1 goal tonight.
#26 Victor Plante, C: I love Plante’s energy. He’s always moving and trying to make plays happen, and it led to the 2-1 goal in the first game and a pair of goals on Wednesday. He doesn’t lose many 1-on-1 plays, and while he can still struggle physically along the boards, it felt like he played with a bit more intensity this week. I really like his game and think he could go in the top 75 – although scouts will be concerned about his lack of muscle.
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