Prospects Challenge: Young Hockey Prospects in the Sights of Scouts

The CHL-USA Challenge: Opportunity to Shine Before Scouts

The ice hockey world is gearing up for a crucial event: the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, to be held in Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta. This tournament represents a valuable platform for young talents, who will seek to impress NHL scouts and executives. This event is a unique opportunity for players to demonstrate their worth to NHL team executives. Some of them could even play in front of a general manager or assistant for the first time. Performance in this tournament could significantly influence the draft selection decisions in June. Many scouts are eager to evaluate players who have performed well in their leagues. For some, this is the opportunity to prove they can compete at the highest level. The challenge is clear: to dispel doubts and consolidate positive expectations. This year, the absence of figures like Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff, who have joined the NCAA, adds an element of uncertainty and expectation to the event. Despite this, several players promise to stand out in the two scheduled games.

Key Players to Watch

Below, we present some of the players who could steal the show at the Challenge, listed alphabetically by country:

Ethan Belchetz (CAN), Forward, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Belchetz, considered one of the most promising prospects in the OHL, has a great opportunity to become the star of the tournament. With his imposing physique (6-5), many compare him to a rhinoceros on skates. His ability to score goals consistently and opportunely is notable. The game is expected to be tighter than in the OHL, which will allow Belchetz to demonstrate his potential as one of the best offensive players in the draft. An outstanding performance would allow him to establish himself as a power forward with a promising future in the NHL.

Alessandro Di Iorio (CAN), Forward, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Di Iorio, who has had a limited season due to an injury, could surprise scouts. He is the only Sarnia player averaging a point per game. He stands out as a center who drives the play, facilitates the offense, and plays reliable defense, in addition to developing a physical game. His ability to finish plays has improved significantly, and it will be interesting to see how he impacts the pace of the game against high-level competition. With the talent needed to be selected among the top 20, Di Iorio, a right-handed center, will be under the watchful eye of scouts and executives.

JP Hurlbert (CAN), Forward, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

The WHL’s top scorer, with an average of almost two points per game, is a key figure in the Prospects Challenge. His performance in the WHL is based on his instinct, shot, and playmaking skills. Scouts expect him to improve his speed and willingness to make more difficult plays. Hurlbert will have to adapt to playing in more complicated areas, connect plays, and improve his pace of play. Playing with a “play driver” will allow him to demonstrate his ability to complement his teammates and finish plays. Hurlbert’s ability to create and seize opportunities is well-known, so his performance in the tournament will be crucial.

Ryan Lin (CAN), Defense, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Lin, a right-handed defenseman of shorter stature, is a specialist at getting the puck out. His ability to move the puck and generate offense is notable, accumulating 28 points in 24 games with Vancouver. His ability to read the game and connect precise passes is impressive. Given the importance of being a good passer in the NHL, Lin is on everyone’s radar.

His defensive game has improved significantly this season, which is an aspect that scouts have been closely monitoring. Lin is expected to play an important role in the two games. Demonstrating his ability to defend against his opponents, play in difficult areas, and win battles will be fundamental to establishing himself among the top 10 prospects.

Mathis Preston (CAN), Forward, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Preston possesses a dynamic ability that can surprise viewers. If he performs at his best in the coming days, this event could be the decisive moment to establish himself as a top 15 pick in June. His skill is undeniable, with excellent skating and puck handling. Despite his size, he plays well in contact. He can dazzle in the attack or in tight spaces with his hands, but he can also raise doubts when he forces plays or makes risky passes. Scouts have noted his increased physical involvement, and they expect a complete performance, including his impressive offensive skills, physical competitiveness, and a strong game without the puck.

Daxon Rudolph (CAN), Defense, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Rudolph is already among the top 10 draft prospects this season, and many NHL teams appreciate his simple and effective playing style. He won’t dazzle with spectacular plays or aggressive physical play, but his ability to neutralize the opponent’s best players night after night elevates his value. With a height of 6-3 and a right-handed defense, he is likely to be a defenseman who plays many minutes and specializes in marking in the NHL. There is no team that doesn’t need someone like Rudolph on their roster. Rudolph will face the best offensive players in the USHL, and if he doesn’t appear in the highlights, it will be because the USHL couldn’t score when he was on the ice. If he manages to keep the USHL forwards at bay, he will be a player who will be mentioned among the top 10 for the rest of the season.

Xavier Villeneuve (CAN), Defense, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Villeneuve, a dynamic defenseman, is one of the most eye-catching players in the draft. His skill, creativity, and confidence are superior to most players, and his game reflects it. He will facilitate the offense, join the attack, and be an offensive weapon from the defense. The way Villeneuve defends will be key for scouts, as he has the offensive ability to be a top-10 pick. If Villeneuve can tilt the game in favor of the CHL, avoiding costly turnovers, he is more likely to quiet the skeptics. There are legitimate doubts about his ability to defend and minimize mistakes. Demonstrating that he can defend effectively against his peers will raise his value, given the amount of time he has left to develop. The raw talent is there, and he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting defensemen in the draft.

Mikey Berchild (USA), Forward, USNTDP Juniors

Berchild, although not an imposing player, possesses one of the best shots in the draft. Goalies have commented on how difficult it is to read the puck when it comes off his stick; it surprises them, and that translates to the NHL. He is a speedster with an excellent shot and no one would be surprised to see him score on the rush, similar to Phil Kessel in his prime. In addition, Berchild’s puck-handling ability is high-level, allowing him to beat defenders and create advantageous positions for himself. Berchild’s complete offensive package, led by his speed and elite shot, is sure to attract the attention of scouts, as he is a player looking to enter first-round consideration. A standout performance against the CHL’s top draft-eligible players would help in that case.

Victor Plante (USA), Forward, USNTDP Juniors

The NTDP’s top scorer has several traits that will be familiar to scouts who watched his older brothers (Zam and Max) play in their draft-eligible seasons. He is an excellent playmaker with an elite sense of hockey. Those two traits made him one of the best players when facing more mature competition, and should allow him to be a standout playmaker at the Prospects Challenge. He is smaller, but that doesn’t stop him from pressing and forcing turnovers. It is likely that Plante will play against the best defensemen in the CHL, which will represent a challenge, as his stick work and physical play will test Plante’s skills. If he is to be a middle-of-the-table NHL player, he needs to demonstrate the ability to stand out against his peers, particularly with regard to offense.

Luke Schairer (USA), Defense, USNTDP Juniors

Schairer could be one of the few from the NTDP team selected in the first round of the draft, and he certainly seems to be the closest thing to a first-round player for the program this season. A big, right-handed defenseman, Schairer has good mobility and rarely gets knocked off balance. His composure with the puck stands out and he has room to develop an offensive game, particularly with rush activation. There is a chance that Schairer could become a middle-pairing defenseman at the NHL level if he can continue to drive play in transition and facilitate positive possession. It is intended to play important minutes of blocking against the best offensive forwards in the CHL, and keeping them at bay should increase his draft value in the second half of the season.

Blake Zielinski (USA), Forward, USNTDP Juniors

Zielinski, a standout at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, is a complete player with good offensive instincts. He lacks a standout, high-level skill, but in his favor is the fact that most of his skills are above average. He is versatile, playing both wing and center, wins battles, moves well, and makes simple but effective plays. Scouts like his consistent work rate, his willingness to go to the difficult areas and make plays in traffic. Zielinski has a solid shot that can unbalance goalies if he can get the puck in an opportune place. It’s less of a game driver and more of a complementary piece. To elevate his draft status, Zielinski needs to improve his physical game and his ability to drive the offensive play. Making an impact and driving a line in this matchup would be a good step towards improving his draft value.

Tournament Expectations

In what is considered a down year for the US program, the team will be without some of the top prospects, such as Tynan Lawrence or Jack Hextall, as they are not part of the NTDP program. The widespread opinion among scouts is that the CHL has the edge on paper due to its high-level skill, but the lack of chemistry between a team that hasn’t played together should keep the games competitive. Each player will seek to leave a lasting impression in these two matches, and the way to achieve this is not with a selfish game, but with solid details and a game of connection. We will be reporting on the outstanding players and the conclusions on Friday.