Victor Plante’s super overtime heroics seal 2025 CHL-USA prospects challenge tiebreaker for USNTDP

Victor Plante etched his name into junior hockey history by scoring the decisive goal in super overtime, lifting the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-18 squad to a thrilling series victory over Team CHL. The nail-biting finish at VisitLethbridge.com Arena showcased the best of junior hockey talent and introduced fans to an innovative tiebreaker format that may shape future events.

The series, which featured the top NHL draft-eligible prospects from the Canadian Hockey League facing off against USA Hockey’s premier development program, ended in a 1-1 tie after two regulation games, necessitating the unprecedented 20-minute, 3-on-3 “super overtime” period. Plante’s marker at 5:53 of the extra frame not only secured the championship for the Americans but also evened the all-time series at one apiece, following Team CHL’s sweep in last year’s inaugural event.

Understanding the new chl-usa prospects challenge overtime tiebreaker format

The 2025 tournament marked the first time the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge required an overtime tiebreaker to determine a champion, introducing a format that emphasized skill, speed, and endurance. Unlike traditional sudden-death overtime periods in junior hockey, this “super overtime” consisted of a full 20-minute period played 3-on-3, continuing until a goal was scored rather than resetting for multiple shorter periods.

CHL Head Coach Willie Desjardins explained the rationale behind the extended format: “In overtime we could have won it early, we had great chances, but that’s the game. I’m thinking, last night and today, it’s going to come down to overtime, and anything can happen in overtime. You knew that cause I felt we’d play hard, I was hoping we would get a win, but you still had to win overtime, and in overtime – it can go either way.”

The open-ice created by the 3-on-3 structure produced numerous scoring opportunities for both sides. Team CHL’s speed initially gave them several quality chances early in the period, with players like Caleb Malhotra and Xavier Villeneuve using the extra space to create dangerous rushes. However, the NTDP’s structured approach and superior conditioning eventually tilted the ice, leading to Plante’s championship-clinching goal.

This innovative tiebreaker format represents a significant departure from traditional junior hockey tournament structures, which typically rely on shorter overtime periods or shootouts. The 20-minute duration tested not only the skill but also the stamina of these elite prospects, providing NHL scouts with valuable insights into how players perform under extended high-pressure situations.

Key moments leading to the chl-usa prospects challenge overtime decider

The path to super overtime was paved with dramatic momentum swings and individual brilliance from both rosters. Game 2 began with CHL Prospects striking just 34 seconds in, as JP Hurlbert converted a cross-ice feed from Daxon Rudolph to give the hosts their first lead of the series. The early marker seemed to energize Team CHL, but the Americans responded with characteristic resilience.

AJ Garcia equalized for the NTDP at the 4:36 mark, capitalizing on a puck retrieval by Lukas Zajic to beat Zachary Jovanovski from the faceoff dot. Victor Plante then gave Team USA its first lead at 6:31, intercepting a backhanded pass in front of the crease after Logan Stuart’s defensive play created the turnover. The 2-1 advantage held through the remainder of the first period, with both teams trading physical play and scoring chances.

The second period opened with a crucial 5-on-3 opportunity for the NTDP, which Jamie Glance converted just 67 seconds into the frame. Working the puck around the zone with precision, Luke Schairer found Glance on the wing, who dashed across the faceoff circle and found twine. However, Team CHL answered just 37 seconds later when captain Caleb Malhotra scored a shorthanded breakaway goal, showcasing his powerful stride and offensive instincts.

Team CHL drew level at 3-3 with 3:29 remaining in the middle frame when Maddox Dagenais set up Alessandro Di Iorio alone down low. The Sarnia Sting forward beat NTDP goaltender Luke Carrithers high glove, setting the stage for a tense third period. Neither team could break through until Xavier Villeneuve’s late heroics, as the QMJHL defenseman redirected Carson Carels’ point shot on the power play with 3:11 remaining to force the super overtime.

USNTDP players who shined in the chl-usa prospects challenge tiebreaker

Several NTDP players elevated their draft stock with standout performances throughout the series, particularly in the pressure-cooker environment of super overtime. Victor Plante’s game-winner capped an impressive tournament that saw him score in both Game 2 and the decisive overtime period. The Hermantown, Minnesota native demonstrated poise and scoring touch, evading defenders before cutting into the slot and beating Jovanovski with a wicked release.

Sammy Nelson emerged as a critical playmaker, providing the primary assist on Plante’s overtime winner with a clever backhanded feed toward the blue line. The Maple Grove native’s vision and puck distribution were evident throughout the series, as he consistently created offense for his linemates. Alongside Nelson, Jamie Glance proved dangerous with his two-goal performance across the two games, including a crucial power-play marker in Game 2.

The goaltending duo of Luke Carrithers and Brady Knowling provided the foundation for the NTDP’s success. Carrithers stopped 33 shots in regulation during Game 2, showing remarkable composure as Team CHL mounted their comeback. Knowling’s performance in Game 1 was equally impressive, as he backstopped the Americans to a 4-2 victory in Calgary. Their combined efforts in net allowed just six goals over two games against one of the most talented collections of CHL prospects.

Defensemen Logan Stuart and Mikey Berchild also made significant contributions, with Stuart’s defensive awareness creating Plante’s first goal and Berchild logging heavy minutes against Team CHL’s top forwards. The maturity and positioning displayed by the NTDP’s blueline corps neutralized many of the CHL’s offensive threats, particularly during 5-on-5 play.

CHL prospects who made their mark before the overtime tiebreaker

Despite the eventual loss, Team CHL showcased numerous prospects who will hear their names called early in the 2026 NHL Draft. Caleb Malhotra, serving as team captain, established himself as a legitimate first-round candidate with his two-way excellence and leadership qualities. The OHLer’s shorthanded breakaway goal in Game 2 demonstrated his explosive skating and offensive intelligence, while his defensive habits and no-nonsense approach earned praise from coaches and scouts alike.

Xavier Villeneuve’s offensive flair was on full display throughout the series, culminating in his power-play game-tying goal with just over three minutes remaining in regulation. The QMJHL defenseman showed consistent ability in transition and was the CHL’s most active puck-moving blueliner. Despite being pushed around physically at times, Villeneuve’s fluid skating and quick thinking made him dangerous every time he touched the puck.

Daxon Rudolph, named alternate captain for Team CHL, provided valuable perspective on the experience: “Not too many guys get this opportunity, so (I’m) very grateful for that. The event itself was awesome. I mean, not the result we wanted, obviously, but I thought we battled hard and played well today. That’s kind of our whole goal, just to work harder and be better than we were yesterday, and I thought we did that and ended up coming up on top in regulation, and then the unfortunate ending.”

JP Hurlbert opened the scoring in Game 2 with a devastating one-timer, while Alessandro Di Iorio’s slick hands allowed him to finish a Dagenais setup for the tying goal. Carson Carels, an “A” rated prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary list, showcased his playmaking ability with the primary assist on Villeneuve’s late-game heroics. These performances, though ultimately overshadowed by Plante’s overtime winner, reinforced the depth of talent within the CHL ranks.

What the chl-usa prospects challenge overtime tiebreaker means for junior hockey

The dramatic conclusion to the 2025 CHL-USA Prospects Challenge carries significant implications for the future of junior hockey development and the relationship between North America’s two premier development pathways. The USNTDP’s victory demonstrates that the American development model can compete with and defeat the CHL’s best prospects, even when the Canadian league holds a theoretical advantage in experience and physical maturity.

Coach Desjardins emphasized the learning opportunity for his players: “I think they’ll take out how hard it is, and, I think, just how important it is to win. Losing really sucks, and, you know, hopefully it bothers them so they don’t lose again.” This sentiment highlights the event’s value beyond simple competition – it serves as a developmental tool that exposes prospects to high-stakes international play before they reach professional ranks.

The success of the super overtime format may influence how other junior hockey tournaments structure their championship-deciding games. The extended 3-on-3 period provided more pure hockey than a shootout would have, while still ensuring a definitive result. NHL scouts in attendance gained valuable data on how prospects perform under unique tactical situations and extended physical stress, information that could affect draft positioning for several players.

For the USNTDP, the victory validates their program’s approach after several years perceived as having less top-end talent than previous cohorts. While recent groups may not have featured transcendent stars like Jack Hughes or Will Smith, their ability to win as a cohesive unit speaks to the program’s emphasis on systems play and team development. This could shift how NHL teams evaluate American prospects, placing greater value on program pedigree and competitive intangibles.

The tied all-time series creates perfect symmetry heading into future iterations of the event. With each side having claimed one championship, the 2026 CHL-USA Prospects Challenge will feature heightened stakes and potentially even more elite talent as both programs look to gain a lasting advantage in this growing rivalry.

Looking ahead: the future of the chl-usa prospects challenge tiebreaker format

As the CHL and USA Hockey evaluate the success of the 2025 event, the super overtime tiebreaker format appears likely to return in future years. The extended period generated significant fan engagement and provided scouts with extended looks at prospects in high-leverage situations. The format’s emphasis on skill and endurance aligns with the modern NHL’s direction, making it an ideal evaluation tool for future professional talent.

The event’s growth from its inaugural 2024 edition suggests it will become a permanent fixture on the junior hockey calendar. Last year, 16 of 22 Team CHL players were selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, validating the event’s ability to gather truly elite prospects. The 2025 edition featured 15 CHL players with “A” ratings from NHL Central Scouting, ensuring that scouts and executives will continue prioritizing attendance.

For the USNTDP, back-to-back competitive performances against CHL all-star teams help validate their schedule and development model. The program regularly faces NCAA competition and international opponents, but direct comparison with CHL talent provides the most relevant benchmark for NHL readiness. Future NTDP squads will likely view this event as a primary measuring stick and recruitment tool.

Victor Plante’s overtime heroics have already become part of the event’s lore, joining Cole Reschny’s game-winner from the 2024 series as signature moments. As the rivalry develops, these individual performances will help define each year’s tournament and create lasting memories for prospects who may one day face each other in the NHL. The CHL-USA Prospects Challenge has quickly evolved from a novel exhibition into a must-watch event that meaningfully contributes to the junior hockey landscape.