Top standouts from Game 1 of 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge
After getting swept in Ontario last year, the USA Hockey National Team Development Program came alive in Calgary with a 4-2 win over the Canadian Hockey League.
The game, featuring 2026 NHL Draft prospects, was dominated by the CHL on the shot clock. But costly mistakes proved to be the difference, with USA scoring one goal per period to take the victory. Dayne Beuker, Sammy Nelson, Wyatt Cullen and Jamie Glance had goals for the Americans, while Chase Reid, who is American himself, and Mathis Preston had the goals for the Canadian-based squad.
The second and final contest will take place in Lethbridge, Alberta on Wednesday evening at 8:00 PM ET.
Here’s a look at the top performers from Tuesday’s action at the Scotiabank Saddledome:
CHL
#5 Carson Carels, D: In terms of pure defensive play, Carels was the CHL’s top blueliner today. 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.
#27 Caleb Malhotra, C: Malhotra was one of the CHL’s most notable players in the first period and he was rewarded with an assist on the 2-1 CHL goal. He did a great job of attacking the middle of the ice and consistently made good passes in high-quality areas. His stock will continue to rise as the season wears on.
#61 Ethan Belchetz, LW: Belchetz was everywhere, especially physically. He had a weaker second period, but started the game with a couple of shots and some big hits, as well. I want to see him take over physically, but you absolutely notice him every time he hits the ice.
#94 Chase Reid, D: There’s been a ton of scouts thinking he could go in the top three, and tonight’s game was a perfect example of why. Reid was excellent at both ends of the ice. He had many high-end looks in the opening period 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.
USNTDP
#7 Wyatt Cullen, C: Cullen was USA’s top player today, scoring twice. The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen had a handful of excellent chances in the first period and was awarded an assist on Beuker’s first-period goal. He then scored on the power play early in the third period to give his team a two-goal advantage. I like the way he skates, too. ullen 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.
#8 Dayne Beuker, RW: Between a solid night in the dot, a goal and a couple shots, it was hard not to notice Beuker tonight. He’s a quick skater who opens up opportunities along the perimeter, but he has quick hands, too. He likes to spend plenty of time around the net, finding ways to pick up rebounds – just like he did on his goal tonight.
#9 Sammy Nelson, RW: Nelson had a goal and an assist today to be one of the USA’s most productive forwards. 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. Today, 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.
#30 Brady Knowling, G: Knowling was extremely busy, facing nearly 30 shots in the opening 40 minutes. He couldn’t have done anything different on the first CHL goal – it was an excellent play. But his movements, his size, his glove hand – all of that was on full display today. He’s a promising goalie for the draft, and his 6-foot-5 frame doesn’t hurt.
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