2025 CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge: Top players to watch and what to expect

The hockey scouting world has descended on Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta, for the 2025 CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge, bringing together the brightest NHL draft-eligible talent from across North America. This two-game showcase represents a pivotal moment for players hoping to solidify their positions ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, with general managers and scouting directors taking rare in-person looks at prospects who could shape their franchises. While the absence of CHL-to-NCAA transfers like Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff has removed some marquee names, the event still features an impressive collection of talent eager to prove themselves against elite competition. For many, these 120 minutes of hockey could be the difference between first-round consideration and middle-round projection.

CHL forwards making waves at the 2025 prospects challenge

Ethan Belchetz stands as the OHL’s premier draft prospect and has scouts buzzing about his rare combination of size and skill. The 6-foot-5 Windsor Spitfires winger moves with surprising agility for his frame, and his ability to score timely goals has become his calling card. In what promises to be tighter checking than typical OHL contests, Belchetz has an opportunity to demonstrate he’s more than just a junior standout. His physical prowess could overwhelm USHL defenders, and a strong showing would reinforce growing belief that he can develop into an impactful power forward at the NHL level.

Alessandro Di Iorio returns from injury with something to prove. The Sarnia Sting center has played only six games this season but remains his team’s only point-per-game player. Scouts who haven’t seen him in 2025-26 will be watching closely how he drives play against elite competition. As a right-handed center with developing physicality, Di Iorio profiles as a potential top-20 selection if he can showcase his two-way reliability and enhanced finishing ability. The Prospects Challenge offers him a perfect stage to dispel durability concerns while highlighting his playmaking vision.

JP Hurlbert carries the WHL’s scoring crown into this showdown. Averaging nearly two points per game with the Kamloops Blazers, the young forward has dominated his junior circuit through pure instinct and elite shooting. However, scouts want to see whether he can elevate his pace and create offense independently rather than finishing plays orchestrated by linemates. His performance alongside more talented teammates will reveal whether he can adapt to a complementary role or force his way into being a primary offensive driver against the USHL’s disciplined structure.

Mathis Preston brings pure excitement to Team CHL’s forward group. The undersized Spokane Chiefs dynamo possesses game-breaking skill that can electrify crowds and scouting reports alike. His ability to play through contact despite his frame has impressed evaluators, though he must balance his dazzling rush attempts with smarter decision-making. The Prospects Challenge represents his opportunity to cement himself as a legitimate top-15 pick by demonstrating consistent competitiveness away from the puck while maintaining his high-end offensive creativity.

Defensive prospects drawing first-round attention at the 2025 CHL-USHL challenge

Ryan Lin enters as the most scrutinized defender in the event. The undersized but brilliant Vancouver Giants blueliner has generated 28 points in 24 games while dramatically improving his defensive reads. His breakout passing from tight windows has become legendary among WHL watchers, and his aggressive defensive positioning shows no fear of physical confrontation. Scouts will focus intently on whether Lin can neutralize USHL’s top threats while continuing to facilitate offense, which would lock him into top-10 draft discussions.

Daxon Rudolph might be the draft’s best-kept secret on defense. The Prince Albert Raiders rearguard doesn’t rely on flash but instead defends with NHL-ready efficiency. At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds with a right-handed shot, Rudolph has become a fixture on rising draft boards as teams covet his shutdown capabilities. His 18 points in 21 games demonstrate adequate offensive contribution, but his real value lies in making opposing forwards invisible. Against the USHL’s best, a quiet night for the Americans would scream loudly about Rudolph’s potential as a future top-pairing defender.

Xavier Villeneuve brings high-wire offensive flair from the QMJHL. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defenseman leads his position with 27 points in 23 games, showcasing creativity and confidence that few peers can match. His defensive zone coverage remains a work in progress, occasionally leading to costly turnovers from overconfidence. The Prospects Challenge gives Villeneuve a platform to prove he can manage risk while still pushing offensive pace, potentially eliminating concerns about his two-way reliability and securing a top-10 selection.

Carson Carels and Chase Reid represent the WHL and OHL’s two-way defensive pillars. Carels has evolved into a point-per-game producer for Prince George while maintaining strong defensive structure, making him an attractive complete package. Reid, handling the heaviest workload among OHL draft-eligible defenders, has already notched 10 goals with Soo Greyhounds. His ability to manage big minutes while contributing offensively mirrors the trajectory of successful NHL defensemen who log 20-plus minutes nightly.

USHL and NTDP standouts aiming to upset Team CHL

Mikey Berchild leads the American charge with an elite release. Though not physically imposing, the USNTDP forward possesses one of the draft class’s most deceptive shots, with goaltenders struggling to track his quick-release wrister. His speed allows him to attack off the rush in full stride, evoking comparisons to elite scorers who create their own space. Scouts watching key players at the 2025 CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge will focus on whether Berchild can generate chances against CHL’s more physical defenders and elevate himself into first-round consideration.

Victor Plante continues his family’s hockey legacy with elite playmaking. Following older brothers Zam and Max through the NTDP pipeline, Plante has emerged as the program’s leading scorer through exceptional hockey sense and puck distribution. His smaller stature hasn’t prevented tenacious forechecking and forced turnovers against older competition. The CHL will test him with physical shutdown defenders who excel at clogging passing lanes, forcing Plante to demonstrate he can create offense independently and justify his potential as a future middle-six NHL forward.

Luke Schairer anchors the American defense as the NTDP’s most likely first-round pick. The big right-handed defender combines good mobility with uncommon poise under pressure, rarely getting caught off balance despite his size. His offensive game continues developing, particularly his rush activation timing, which scouts project could make him a solid second-pairing NHL defender. Playing major shutdown minutes against CHL’s high-octane forwards will test Schairer’s ability to maintain gap control and transition play effectively.

Blake Zielinski offers versatility and workmanlike consistency. Having starred at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, the NTDP forward plays both center and wing while winning battles and making simple, effective plays. While he lacks a singular elite skill, his above-average toolkit across all areas makes him a valuable complementary piece. Zielinski must prove he can drive a line against top competition rather than simply fitting in, as improving his physical play and offensive creation could significantly boost his draft stock.

Goaltending spotlight: The last line of defense at the 2025 CHL-USHL challenge

Harrison Boettiger brings unique experience to the CHL crease. Having played for Team USA in last year’s series, the Kelowna Rockets netminder understands the event’s intensity and scrutiny. His .921 save percentage through 10 games demonstrates consistency for the Memorial Cup hosts, and his 6-foot-3 frame provides NHL-caliber size. Scouts will watch how Boettiger handles the USHL’s speed and skill after switching allegiances, particularly his rebound control and ability to make second saves against elite shooters.

Zachary Jovanovski seeks to find his rhythm on a big stage. The Guelph Storm goaltender has endured an up-and-down season with an .882 save percentage, though recent wins over powerhouse programs have shown flashes of his potential. The Prospects Challenge offers Jovanovski an opportunity to showcase his raw athletic tools and mental resilience when surrounded by elite talent. A strong performance could reshape his narrative heading into the draft’s crucial second half.

What scouts are evaluating at the 2025 prospects challenge

Connective play drives draft board movement more than individual highlights. NHL executives consistently emphasize that selfish play hurts prospects more than quiet games. Scouts prioritize players who make teammates better through smart positioning, crisp passing, and reliable defensive support. The two-game set rewards those who demonstrate hockey intelligence and adaptability rather than forcing plays for attention.

Physical competitiveness separates similar skill levels. With so many talented players on the ice simultaneously, scouts look for who consistently wins puck battles, drives the net, and takes punishment to make plays. The CHL’s physical advantage could prove decisive, though USHL players have historically countered with superior team structure. Players like those on Montreal’s scouting radar must prove they can handle elevated physicality while maintaining their skill execution.

Pace adaptation determines NHL projection. The game operates at a speed closer to professional hockey than typical junior contests, testing how quickly players process information and execute decisions. Those who thrive show they can think the game at an NHL level, while others exposed by the tempo may see their draft stock plateau. This becomes especially critical for offensively gifted players who must prove they can defend at higher speeds.

The 2025 CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge has delivered on its promise of high-intensity hockey with significant draft implications. Players like Ethan Belchetz and Ryan Lin have used the platform to reinforce first-round aspirations, while USHL standouts fought hard to prove their development path produces NHL-ready talent. As scouts compile their final reports before the holiday tournaments, standout performances here will echo into June’s draft conversations. The event’s true winners emerge not from the scoreboard but from those who proved they could elevate their game when the hockey world was watching.