Calgary CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge players to watch 2025: Complete scouting guide

The hockey world descends on Calgary and Lethbridge this week for the premier showcase of North American junior talent. The 2025 CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge represents more than just an all-star exhibition—it’s a pressure cooker where draft-eligible players can cement their status or watch their stock soar. With scouts and NHL executives filling the Saddledome, every shift carries weight for these teenagers chasing their professional dreams.

This year’s event carries extra intrigue as the first season where top CHL prospects have already jumped to NCAA programs, altering the competitive landscape. While Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff won’t face off against their former CHL peers, the talent pool remains deep with potential first-round selections eager to prove themselves against elite competition. For many players, these two games will be the only opportunity for general managers to evaluate them live before the NHL draft in June.

What is the Calgary CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge 2025 and why it matters

The CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge began as a modest scouting event but has evolved into a must-watch spectacle for hockey’s decision-makers. This year’s edition features the top draft-eligible players from Canadian Hockey League teams facing off against the United States Hockey League’s finest, primarily from the US National Team Development Program. The two-game series gives NHL teams a controlled environment to compare North America’s best prospects head-to-head.

Calgary’s Saddledome provides the perfect backdrop for this high-stakes evaluation. Scouts appreciate the NHL-sized ice surface and professional facilities that allow players to perform under conditions similar to what they’d experience at the next level. The event’s timing in late November gives teams a crucial data point before the mid-season rankings are finalized and allows players to build momentum heading into the second half of their junior seasons.

The challenge matters because it strips away familiar linemates and systems. Players must adapt quickly to new teammates and coaching styles, revealing their hockey IQ and coachability. NHL central scouting director Dan Marr noted that the event “shows us who can elevate their game when surrounded by other elite talent”—a critical factor when projecting how prospects will handle the jump to professional hockey.

For participants, the pressure is tangible. A strong performance can vault a second-round projection into first-round consideration, while a poor showing raises questions about a player’s ability to perform on big stages. The Flames selected two players from last year’s challenge in the 2025 draft, including first-rounder Cole Reschny, proving that standout moments in this event translate directly to draft success.

Top CHL forwards to watch at the 2025 Prospects Challenge

Ethan Belchetz brings rhinoceros-like power to the ice

Ethan Belchetz enters the challenge as the Ontario Hockey League’s top draft prospect, and scouts are buzzing about his unique combination of size and skill. At 6-foot-5, the Windsor Spitfires forward moves with surprising grace for his frame, prompting one evaluator to liken him to “a rhinoceros on skates”—a testament to his powerful, unstoppable style.

Belchetz scores with remarkable ease, particularly in clutch situations. His 25 goals lead all OHL draft-eligible players, with several coming in the final minutes of tight games. The challenge presents an opportunity to showcase his offensive arsenal against tighter checking than he typically faces in junior hockey. If he can dominate physically while maintaining his scoring touch, he’ll cement his status as a top-15 pick.

What makes Belchetz particularly intriguing is his developing playmaking ability. Early in the season, scouts questioned whether he was simply a goal-scorer benefiting from talented linemates. His assist totals have risen steadily, however, proving he can facilitate offense as well as finish it. Against the USHL’s structured defense, his passing vision will be tested frequently.

The key for Belchetz will be avoiding the temptation to overpower every situation. USHL defenders excel at using positioning and stick work to neutralize physical advantages. If Belchetz tries to simply bull his way to the net, he’ll find himself stifled. Success will require mixing power moves with finesse, showing scouts the complete package they covet in a modern power forward.

Alessandro Di Iorio’s return from injury creates intrigue

Alessandro Di Iorio represents one of the event’s biggest question marks after missing most of the season with an upper-body injury. The Sarnia Sting center has played just six games but remains a point-per-game player, leaving scouts desperate for an extended look at his all-around game. His participation in the challenge marks the first time many NHL executives will see him live in 2025-26.

When healthy, Di Iorio drives play through the middle of the ice with rare authority for his age. He pushes the pace constantly, forcing defenders onto their heels and creating space for teammates. His defensive awareness is advanced, often killing penalties and matching up against opponent’s top lines. The right-handed shot only enhances his value, as teams perennially seek centers who can win faceoffs and control play.

The injury concerns loom large, however. NHL teams invest millions in first-round picks, and durability questions can sink a prospect’s stock. Di Iorio needs to not only perform well but prove he’s fully healthy and can withstand the physical toll of high-intensity hockey. A tentative performance would raise red flags, while aggressive, pain-free play would reassure skeptical scouts.

His chemistry with unfamiliar linemates will be telling. As a playmaking center, Di Iorio’s greatest strength is elevating those around him. The challenge gives him a chance to demonstrate that ability with an entirely new supporting cast—a skill that translates directly to professional success where roster turnover is constant.

JP Hurlbert looks to prove his speed translates to elite competition

The Western Hockey League’s leading scorer brings gaudy point totals to Calgary, but scouts arrive with pointed questions about JP Hurlbert’s game. The Kamloops Blazers forward averages nearly two points per game by relying on elite instincts and a quick-release shot that finds holes goalies didn’t know existed. The challenge tests whether those skills hold up against faster, more disciplined competition.

Evaluators consistently praise Hurlbert’s offensive instincts. He seems to know where the puck will be before it arrives, positioning himself perfectly for scoring chances. His shot is both accurate and deceptive, with goaltenders noting how difficult it is to track. However, scouts want to see improved speed and a willingness to make tougher plays rather than simply finishing chances created by others.

The USHL defenders he’ll face excel at gap control and forcing wide plays. Hurlbert must show he can drive play himself, carry the puck through the neutral zone, and create offense independently. Playing alongside a true play-driver would showcase his complementary skills, but the challenge demands he prove he can be that driver when necessary.

Physical engagement remains the biggest knock on Hurlbert’s projection. At 5-foot-11, he’s not undersized, but he avoids contact and rarely wins battles along the boards. Against the USHL’s structured, physical style, he’ll need to demonstrate a competitive edge that suggests he can handle the NHL’s trenches. A few scrappy puck retrievals could do wonders for his perception among scouts.

Mathis Preston’s electrifying skill set on full display

If one player can steal the show in Calgary, it’s Mathis Preston. The Spokane Chiefs forward possesses dynamic, get-you-out-of-your-seat skill that can dominate a shift and change a game. His combination of elite skating and puck-handling allows him to dance through defenders with ease, creating highlight-reel moments that scouts remember when finalizing their draft boards.

Preston’s season has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and frustration. He can dazzle off the rush or in tight spaces, but his tendency to force plays leads to costly turnovers. Scouts have noted improved physical involvement, a critical development for an undersized forward who must prove he can play through contact at the next level. The challenge offers a perfect stage to showcase a more well-rounded game.

The key for Preston is channeling his creativity effectively. USHL teams play structured systems that punish individualistic play, so he’ll need to pick his spots wisely. A few controlled, high-skill plays that lead to goals will impress scouts far more than numerous low-percentage attempts. His ability to read when to attack and when to defer will be closely monitored.

Playing without his regular Chiefs linemates actually helps Preston’s evaluation. It forces him to create independently rather than relying on familiar chemistry. If he can make an impact while playing a responsible two-way game, he could cement himself as a top-15 pick. The challenge is his opportunity to prove the hype is justified and the defensive concerns are overblown.

CHL defensemen who will command attention in Calgary

Ryan Lin leads a new breed of offensive blueliners

Ryan Lin represents everything modern NHL teams want in a defenseman, and the Vancouver Giants blueliner knows his performance in Calgary could catapult him into the top-10 conversation. The undersized right-handed defender from Richmond, British Columbia, is a one-man breakout machine, capable of neutral zone exits that make coaches drool and forwards jealous.

Lin’s offensive numbers are staggering—28 points in just 24 games while quarterbacking Vancouver’s power play and driving even-strength offense. His ability to read transition play and deliver passes through the tightest lanes separates him from traditional junior defensemen. Scouts describe his vision as “elite” and his puck-moving as “NHL-ready,” rare praise for a draft-eligible player.

However, questions about his defensive game have followed Lin throughout his junior career. At 5-foot-10, he doesn’t have prototypical size, and evaluators have wondered whether he can defend his own zone against bigger, stronger competition. This season, his defensive play has taken a major step forward, but the Prospects Challenge represents his biggest test yet.

The USHL roster features several power forwards who will test Lin physically. Winning battles in the corners, clearing the front of the net, and limiting second-chance opportunities will be crucial. If he can combine his offensive brilliance with reliable defense against elite peers, he’ll solidify his status as a can’t-miss prospect who can quarterback an NHL power play for a decade.

Daxon Rudolph embodies the art of defensive simplicity

While flashier prospects grab headlines, Daxon Rudolph quietly builds a case as one of the draft’s safest bets. The Prince Albert Raiders defenseman won’t deliver highlight-reel goals or bone-crushing hits, but his ability to shut down opposing stars night after night has NHL teams projecting him as a future top-pairing stalwart.

Rudolph’s game is defined by efficiency. At 6-foot-3 with a right-handed shot, he uses his reach and positioning to eliminate time and space, forcing turnovers without flashy plays. Scouts love his composure under pressure—he rarely panics with the puck and makes the simple play that maintains possession. In an era where mistakes are magnified, Rudolph’s low-risk style is increasingly valuable.

The challenge sets up perfectly for Rudolph’s skill set. He’ll face the USHL’s top offensive players, including speedsters and snipers who test his gap control and decision-making. If the highlights show USHL forwards being denied entry to the offensive zone or failing to generate chances, Rudolph will be the invisible force responsible. His performance could push him into the top 10 of draft discussions.

What makes Rudolph special is his projectability. Every NHL team needs a minute-munching, matchup defender who can play against top lines and kill penalties. Rudolph’s floor is a reliable third-pairing defender, but his ceiling as a shutdown top-pairing player makes him irresistible to teams drafting outside the lottery. The challenge is his chance to prove he can handle the best of the best.

Xavier Villeneuve’s dynamic game faces its toughest test

Xavier Villeneuve plays defense like a forward, and that’s exactly what makes him so fascinating to scouts. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada blueliner is one of the draft class’s most dynamic defenders, blessed with skill, creativity, and confidence that most players can only dream of. He facilitates offense, joins the rush, and serves as an offensive weapon from the back end.

Villeneuve’s talent is undeniable. He can quarterback a power play with creativity, jump into odd-man rushes, and create scoring chances that traditional defensemen wouldn’t attempt. His offensive numbers reflect his aggressive style, and his highlight reel is among the best in the CHL. However, legitimate questions about his defensive playability persist, and those questions will be answered in Calgary.

USHL teams excel at capitalizing on defensive mistakes, and Villeneuve’s risk-reward style could be exploited if he’s not careful. Scouts want to see him tilt the ice offensively while minimizing costly turnovers that lead to odd-man rushes against. His ability to defend his own zone with discipline will determine whether he’s viewed as a future top-pairing dynamo or a specialist who needs sheltering.

The challenge for Villeneuve is maintaining his creativity while proving he can be trusted defensively. A few highlight-reel assists will grab attention, but consistent one-on-one defending and smart puck management will cement his draft stock. He has the raw talent to be a top-10 pick, but he must show he can harness it effectively against elite competition.

USHL standouts ready to make their mark in Calgary

Mikey Berchild’s elite shot demands attention

Mikey Berchild might not intimidate physically, but goaltenders across junior hockey know his release can end a game in an instant. The USNTDP forward possesses one of the draft class’s fastest, most deceptive shots—goaltenders consistently remark how difficult it is to read the puck as it explodes off his stick. That release, combined with elite speed, makes him a constant breakaway threat.

Berchild’s game draws comparisons to Phil Kessel in his prime, particularly his ability to score off the rush at full stride. His puck skill allows him to play through defenders and create advantageous positions, while his well-rounded offensive package suggests he can be more than a one-trick pony. Scouts view him as a player knocking on the first-round door, needing a standout performance to break through.

The challenge presents a unique test for Berchild’s speed. CHL defenders are generally bigger and more physical than their USHL counterparts, and they’ll look to disrupt his rhythm with body contact and active sticks. If Berchild can use his quickness to create separation and get his shot away cleanly, he’ll prove his scoring ability translates against any competition.

What scouts want to see is Berchild’s commitment to the details. Can he backcheck effectively? Will he engage in board battles? A few goals will be nice, but a complete two-way performance would signal he’s ready for the defensive responsibilities that come with NHL play. His challenge is showing he’s not just a scorer, but a winning player.

Victor Plante’s hockey sense separates him from the pack

Victor Plante is easy to spot on the ice—he’s the player who always seems to be three steps ahead of everyone else. The USNTDP’s leading scorer inherited elite hockey sense from his brothers Zam and Max, both former top prospects, and he uses that IQ to dissect defenses with surgical precision. His playmaking ability stands out even among the NTDP’s talented roster.

Plante excels at forechecking despite his smaller stature. He reads passing lanes brilliantly, anticipates turnovers, and pounces on mistakes before opponents realize they’ve made them. Against CHL competition, he’ll face defensemen with superior size and physicality, testing whether his smarts can overcome his stature. If he can create offense against the CHL’s top shutdown defenders, his stock will soar.

The challenge for Plante is proving he can drive a line independently. His NTDP success comes partly from playing with talented teammates who can finish his passes. In Calgary, he’ll likely match up against the CHL’s best defensive pairings, who will pressure him physically and limit his time and space. How he responds will determine whether scouts view him as a potential top-six playmaker or a middle-six complementary piece.

What makes Plante fascinating is his development ceiling. His hockey sense is already elite, and his offensive creativity is undeniable. If he can demonstrate improved strength and a willingness to battle in traffic, he’ll complete the package NHL teams seek in a modern center. The CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge is his stage to prove he’s more than just a system player.

Luke Schairer anchors the USHL defensive corps

Luke Schairer could be the USHL’s lone first-round selection in the 2026 draft, and the big right-handed defender knows the Calgary spotlight is his to seize. At 6-foot-3, Schairer combines good mobility with exceptional poise, rarely getting caught out of position or making panic plays. His defensive foundation is rock-solid, giving him a high floor that NHL teams covet.

Schairer’s offensive game is developing steadily. He shows flashes of rush activation potential and has improved his puck-moving confidence throughout the season. Scouts see a player who could develop into a middle-pairing defender who plays tough minutes against top competition while contributing offensively. Against the CHL’s skilled forwards, he’ll need to showcase both aspects of his game.

The challenge presents a matchup nightmare for Schairer. He’ll likely draw assignments against Belchetz’s power-forward game, Preston’s speed and skill, and Hurlbert’s scoring instincts. How he handles those diverse threats will be telling. If he can shut down the CHL’s best while making clean breakout passes, he’ll cement his first-round credentials.

What scouts want to see is Schairer’s physical assertiveness. He has the size to be punishing but sometimes plays a passive game, relying on positioning over aggression. Against CHL power forwards, he’ll need to engage physically and establish his presence. A few firm hits and net-front battles would show he’s ready for the physical demands of professional hockey.

Blake Zielinski’s versatility makes him invaluable

Blake Zielinski won’t wow anyone with a single attribute, but his collection of above-average skills makes him one of the USHL’s most intriguing prospects. The NTDP forward impressed at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with his well-rounded game, showing he can play both wing and center while winning battles and making simple, effective plays.

Zielinski’s versatility is his calling card. He moves well, makes smart reads, and has a solid release that can catch goalies off balance. Scouts appreciate his consistent work rate and willingness to go to the hard areas, traits that suggest he’ll be an effective complementary piece at higher levels. He’s not a play-driver yet, but his ability to play multiple roles adds value.

The challenge gives Zielinski a chance to prove he can drive a line, not just complement better players. Playing against the CHL’s top talent, he’ll need to make an offensive impact while maintaining his defensive reliability. If he can generate scoring chances and finish a few plays, he’ll show scouts his ceiling is higher than a bottom-six checker.

What will separate Zielinski is his detail work. CHL scouts will watch his backchecking, his positioning in the defensive zone, and his ability to make smart plays under pressure. A few blocked shots, a clean face-off record, and a physical presence would demonstrate the glue-guy attributes that win championships. His path to the NHL is through being a Swiss Army knife, and the challenge is where he can prove he has all the tools.

Key storylines and scouting focus for the 2025 challenge

The absence of Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff reshapes the competitive dynamic significantly. Both players made the early jump to NCAA hockey, depriving the event of its most hyped head-to-head matchup. While their absence disappointed scouts hoping to see them against CHL competition, it opens the door for other prospects to grab the spotlight. The narrative shifts from a battle of superstars to a deeper evaluation of the draft class’s middle and late-first-round talent.

Chemistry concerns favor the USHL squad, which draws primarily from the USNTDP program. Those players have spent months together, developing systems familiarity and on-ice rapport. The CHL roster, by contrast, is a collection of stars from three different leagues who’ve never played together. How quickly they adapt to new linemates and defensive pairings will be crucial. Early struggles with timing and positioning could give the USHL an advantage, even if the CHL possesses superior individual talent.

Scouts are focusing intensely on defensive detail work this year. With offensive stars like McKenna absent, evaluators want to see how prospects handle tough matchups and structured defensive play. Can flashy forwards like Mathis Preston backcheck effectively? Will offensive defensemen like Xavier Villeneuve make smart decisions under pressure? The players who showcase two-way responsibility will climb draft boards.

The goaltending battle will be fascinating, even if netminders aren’t the main attraction. Both teams feature goalies who’ll be selected in later draft rounds, and their ability to make key saves against high-end shooters could swing the series. A standout performance from either side would be memorable, as goaltenders often become the story in tightly contested all-star events.

What these performances mean for the 2026 NHL draft

The Calgary CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge has become a draft lottery ticket for players who seize the moment. Last year’s event propelled several prospects into first-round consideration, and the 2025 edition offers similar opportunity. With the draft still seven months away, a dominant performance can reshape months of scouting reports and create a narrative that carries through the rest of the season.

For borderline first-round picks, this is a chance to separate from the pack. Players like Ryan Lin and Daxon Rudolph could cement top-10 status with strong showings, while second-tier prospects can jump into the first-round conversation. The event’s timing is perfect—it occurs right before NHL teams finalize their mid-season rankings, meaning scouts will have these fresh impressions when they debate prospects in December meetings.

The challenge also helps answer crucial questions about projectability. How does a WHL star handle the USHL’s speed and structure? Can a USNTDP player match the CHL’s physicality? These translatable skills matter more than junior point totals when projecting NHL success. A player who performs well across different styles and systems gives scouts confidence he can adapt to professional hockey’s demands.

Teams drafting outside the lottery pay particular attention to this event. For franchises selecting in the 15-31 range, finding a player who slips due to lack of exposure but shines in Calgary can be a franchise-altering moment. The challenge essentially serves as a second combine, giving teams another data point beyond regular season performance and scouting reports.

The 2025 Calgary CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge players to watch have a unique opportunity to define their draft narrative. With scouts from every NHL team in attendance and executives watching closely, these two games could determine June’s draft order. The stage is set, the lights are bright, and for these young prospects, it’s time to show the hockey world why they belong among the sport’s elite.