CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge 2025 Key Players to Watch

Team CHL offensive standouts to watch

The CHL roster features several dynamic forwards who could dominate the showcase with their scoring ability and playmaking instincts. Players from the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL bring different styles, but all share the opportunity to prove they can excel against elite American competition.

Ethan Belchetz: The power forward specimen

Windsor Spitfires forward Ethan Belchetz enters as the OHL’s top draft prospect, and scouts are already buzzing about his unique combination of size and skill. The 6-foot-5 forward has drawn comparisons to a rhinoceros on skates—not just for his imposing frame but for his ability to score timely goals with apparent ease. In tighter-checking games like those expected in this showcase, Belchetz has the chance to demonstrate why he belongs in the conversation as one of the top offensive players in the entire draft class. His performance could validate projections of him becoming an impactful NHL power forward.

JP Hurlbert: WHL’s scoring machine

Leading the WHL in scoring with nearly two points per game, Kamloops Blazers forward JP Hurlbert will be counted on to provide offense for Team CHL. His dominance in junior hockey stems from elite instincts, a dangerous shot, and high-level playmaking vision. However, scouts want to see him elevate his game in two key areas: improved skating pace and a willingness to make tougher plays rather than simply finishing chances created by linemates. Against the USHL’s structured defense, Hurlbert must demonstrate he can create his own opportunities in traffic and maintain effectiveness at a higher tempo.

Alessandro Di Iorio: The mystery center

Sarnia Sting center Alessandro Di Iorio represents one of the event’s biggest unknown quantities. Limited to just six games this season due to injury, this will be the first opportunity for many scouts to evaluate his 2025-26 form. Despite the small sample size, Di Iorio is Sarnia’s only point-per-game player, showcasing his talent as a play-driving center who facilitates offense while maintaining reliable defensive zone coverage. His right-handed shot at the center position adds significant value, and a strong showing could cement his status as a top-20 selection.

Team CHL defensive anchors and goaltenders

The CHL’s blue line features a mix of offensive dynamos and shutdown specialists, while the crease presents an intriguing storyline with a goaltender who appeared for Team USA last season.

Ryan Lin: Undersized puck-mover

Vancouver Giants defenseman Ryan Lin enters the showcase as one of the most watched prospects, despite his undersized frame. The Richmond, British Columbia native has been a revelation, posting 28 points in 24 games while serving as a one-man breakout machine. His ability to read transition plays and thread passes through tight lanes has put him on every team’s radar. The key question for scouts is whether his defensive game—much improved this season—can hold up against elite American forwards. A strong two-way performance could lock him into top-10 consideration.

Daxon Rudolph: The silent shutdown specialist

Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Daxon Rudolph may be the best-kept secret among top prospects. Currently ranking among the top-10 in many evaluations, the 6-foot-2 right-shot defender excels at simple, effective hockey. He won’t dazzle with offense or crush opponents physically, but his ability to shut down top competition nightly has his draft stock soaring. NHL teams covet his projected role as a minute-munching, matchup defenseman. If he keeps USHL forwards quiet during the showcase, he’ll cement his place in the top-10 conversation for the remainder of the season.

Xavier Villeneuve: High-risk, high-reward defender

Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defenseman Xavier Villeneuve brings more skill, creativity, and confidence than most players in the entire draft class. His dynamic offensive game has produced 27 points in 23 games, and his ability to join the rush as an extra attacker makes him impossible to ignore. The showcase represents a critical test of his defensive capabilities. Scouts already recognize his elite offensive potential; now they need to see him defend capably against his peers and minimize costly turnovers. A balanced performance could quell doubts and elevate him into top-10 consideration.

Harrison Boettiger: The familiar face

In an unusual twist, Kelowna Rockets goaltender Harrison Boettiger will man the crease for Team CHL after representing Team USA in last year’s event. The 6-foot-3 netminder has posted a .921 save percentage in 10 WHL games and enters the showcase coming off one of his best personal performances. His familiarity with both sides of this event provides valuable perspective, and continued strong play could put him in the conversation for a World Junior roster spot.

Team USHL offensive weapons

The American squad features players from the USNTDP Juniors program who must compensate for the absence of some top talent. Their success will depend on speed, skill, and the program’s characteristic structured play.

Mikey Berchild: Elite release and speed

Mikey Berchild headlines the American forward group with what scouts consider one of the best releases in the entire draft class. Goaltenders have noted how difficult it is to track pucks coming off his stick, often catching them by surprise. His elite speed and high-end puck skill allow him to create advantageous positions and score off the rush in full stride. While his size isn’t imposing, his well-rounded offensive package could vault him into first-round consideration with a standout performance against the CHL’s best.

Victor Plante: The playmaking prodigy

As the NTDP’s leading scorer, Victor Plante brings elite hockey sense and playmaking ability that should be immediately recognizable to scouts who watched his older brothers Zam and Max. His tenacious forechecking and ability to force turnovers belie his smaller stature, while his vision creates offense against more mature competition. The showcase presents a significant challenge: he’ll face the CHL’s best shutdown defenders, whose stick work and physical play will test his skill set. Proving he can drive a line against elite peers is crucial for his draft projection as a potential middle-six NHL forward.

Blake Zielinski: Versatile complimentary piece

Blake Zielinski made waves at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and brings versatility to Team USA’s lineup. Capable of playing both wing and center, he wins battles, moves effectively, and makes simple but efficient plays. Scouts appreciate his consistent work rate and willingness to go to hard areas. While he may lack a single standout, high-end skill, his above-average abilities across the board make him valuable. To elevate his draft status, Zielinski needs to show he can drive offense rather than simply complementing more skilled linemates.

Team USHL defensive stalwarts

The American defense corps features mobile, intelligent blueliners who must contain the CHL’s offensive firepower while showcasing their own transitional abilities.

Luke Schairer: Potential first-round defender

Luke Schairer represents the NTDP’s best hope for a first-round selection on defense this season. The big, right-shot defender combines good mobility with exceptional poise with the puck. He rarely gets caught off balance and shows promise as a potential middle-pairing NHL defenseman if he continues developing his offensive activation and transition game. He’ll likely draw major shutdown minutes against the CHL’s top forwards, and a strong defensive performance could significantly boost his draft stock heading into the season’s second half.

What this means for the 2026 NHL draft

The CHL-USHL Prospects Challenge serves as more than just a mid-season spectacle—it’s a critical data point in the ever-evolving 2026 NHL Draft landscape. For many prospects, these two games represent their most significant exposure to NHL decision-makers before the combine. The showcase often reveals how players perform under pressure against unfamiliar elite competition, providing insights that regular-season junior games cannot.

The absence of top prospects like Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff creates opportunity for players such as Ethan Belchetz, Ryan Lin, and Mikey Berchild to claim spots in the top-15. Defensive specialists like Daxon Rudolph and Luke Schairer have the chance to prove their shutdown abilities translate across different styles of play. Meanwhile, dynamic offensive defensemen like Xavier Villeneuve must demonstrate they can manage risk while driving play.

For teams like the Montreal Canadiens preparing for the 2026 draft, events like this are invaluable for creating and refining their watchlists. The challenge also plays a crucial role in identifying potential World Junior candidates, adding another layer of importance to these performances. Every shift matters when the stakes are this high, and players who embrace the moment with strong details and connective play—not selfish heroics—will leave the lasting impression that moves them up draft boards.

As the scouting world converges on Alberta, one thing is certain: legacies will be shaped, draft positions will be won and lost, and the future stars of the NHL will take another significant step toward their dreams.