To set the table here, I will explain somewhat how this came to fruition, as well as how the rosters for both teams were configured. This two-game series is set as the permanent replacement for the CHL Top Prospects Game (originally known as the CHL All-Star Challenge), wherein the top forty NHL Entry Draft eligible prospects across the CHL’s three constituent leagues (OHL, WHL, and QMJHL) took each other in a showcase of their talents. Now, for the first time, such a showcase has a rivalry bent, as a crop of CHL all-stars (all in their first year of NHL draft eligibility) was assembled to play against the United States National Team Development Program (US NTDP) U18 squad. The significance of this matchup is not just built upon the back of the inherent hockey rivalry between the North American juggernauts, but the familiarity these players have with one another from having played each other extensively at international tournaments. Game one took place in London, ON, home of the Knights, while game two will occur in the Oshawa Generals’ barn.

Some noteworthy changes/developments on both sides occurred to originally intended roster configurations. Brandon Wheat Kings C Roger McQueen was invited to Team CHL, but had to withdraw due to long-term injury. Everett C/LW Carter Bear was unable to play in game 1 due to illness and was replaced on line 2 by the originally slated thirteenth forward, Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs. US NTDP D Carter Amico (committed to Boston University for 2026-27) was not able to join up with his teammates due to injury. The program called up a couple of USHLers in the form of Des Moines Buccaneers LW Ben Kevan (Arizona State commit) and Waterloo Black Hawks C Matthew Lansing (committed to Quinnipiac) to round out the roster, and, against expectations, welcomed RW L.J. Mooney (U of Minnesota commit, cousin of Utah Hockey Club star Logan Cooley) back into the fold after his injury last month.

The first period began with nearly six minutes of uninterrupted play, scoring chances on both sides (mostly on the CHL’s side but with some resistance provided by the US NTDP), and about half a dozen big hits as the rivals looked to set the tone and perhaps make an impression on scouts and executives in attendance or watching on TV. Finally, on a rush play that landed him in a high danger spot, LW Lynden Lakovic (WHL, Moose Jaw Warriors) opened the scoring on a howitzer of a shot past G Patrick Quinlan (set to play at Notre Dame in 2025-26), with RW Ben Kindel (WHL, Calgary Hitmen) being credited with the helper. As noted, this goal was the first stoppage of the game, coming 5:44 in. C Will Belle (Notre Dame commit) would be called shortly thereafter for a holding penalty to provide the game’s first penalty, but Team CHL did not make the US NTDP pay for it. D Quinn Beauchesne (OHL, Guelph Storm) committed a trip that gave the US NTDP their first power play of the game. Truthfully, the most memorable play of this sequence might have been a good bit of pressure applied by the CHLers, particularly C Caleb Desnoyers (QMJHL, Moncton Wildcats) as he made a successful zone entry, but had the possession ended as his pass was picked off. The game largely continued as a “chance for chance” proceeding for the rest of the first period, with the CHL having the edge but a good fight back being provided by the US NTDP. The opening stanza ended on a somewhat ignominious note, as CHL D Kashawn Aitcheson (OHL, Barrie Colts) made a big hit on Mooney which was impressive in quality but nowhere near the play with mere seconds remaining. US NTDP D Garret Lindberg (begins play at U of North Dakota next season) hopped to Mooney’s defense and exchanged blows with Aitcheson and was called for roughing, entailing that period two would begin on a 4v4.

The analysis of the middle frame can be less granular, as it was largely defined by a dominant performance by Team CHL. Just 38 seconds in, C/LW Michael Misa (OHL, Saginaw Spirit) would get the puck to D Matthew Schaefer (OHL, Erie Otters), who subsequently would barrel down the center of the ice and find RW Cameron Schmidt (WHL, Vancouver Giants) inside the circle, and as one of the finest goal scoring prospects in the world currently, he did not miss. A few minutes later, C Brady Martin (OHL, Soo Greyhounds) was the beneficiary of a bizarre bounce as Quinlan attempted to play a dump-in by Lakovic behind the net and Martin was the Johnny on the spot, growing the lead to 3-0. A couple minutes later, on a power play for a high stick by Lansing, the score grew to 4-0 as G Joshua Ravensbergen (WHL, Prince George Cougars) provided Schaefer with the puck and the likely 1D of this draft class went end-to-end in a manner that would make Bobby Orr blush and slid the puck past Quinlan. This had to be looked at for potential goaltender interference, but ultimately stood. One thing about this period that stood out to me was that, while all three goals by Team CHL were the result of bang-bang plays, they were a better possession team and more efficient. The statistical trends of the first period largely continued. The US NTDP were not doing awful when it came to generating penetration, but their execution in the OZ left much to be desired.

That tendency from the US NTDP largely continued in the third period, though with a bit more success. C/W Jack Murtaugh (Boston University commit, 2025-26) and Lansing both had good looks on rush plays, but the former sailed his wide and Lansing was stopped by Ravensbergen on a backhand attempt. Ironically, Murtaugh (arguably the strongest player for the US NTDP throughout the game) scored the US NTDP’s only goal on a possession-dominant play on the man advantage, wherein LW/C Will Moore (Boston College, 2026-27) came up with the puck behind the net via winning a battle with some diligent work and moved it to C Cole McKinney (U of Michigan) on the left wing, who subsequently made a fantastic cross-ice pass to Murtaugh, who made the one-time finish. At that point, though, the game was well out of reach. The score was 6-1, as LW Malcolm Spence (OHL, Erie Otters) potted a rebound yielded by former teammate and longtime friend Misa’s shot, with Schmidt making the original cross-ice pass and Aitcheson blasted a shot from the point that was in and out so quickly that it was not recognized as a goal until nearly two minutes later, at which point the horn was sounded and time had to be put back on the clock (O’Brien and the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbriand Aramada RW Justin Carbonneau were credited with the assists). Upon this 6-1 win for Team CHL, Schaefer was named player of the game, which was well deserved, as he had many terrific impact shifts via his 200 foot game, puck movement abilities, and so many other things beyond his goal and assist. He has a phenomenal track record in the big moments and this is another terrific entry into the canon for the youngster from Ontario, who is one of the 2025 class’ youngest players yet simultaneously one of its most poised and experienced.

The important thing to remember here for the US NTDP is that wins and losses in this challenge are created equally. No matter the means by which it happened, a win is 2 points and a loss is zero, and goal differential does not matter. They just have to tap into their chemistry and cohesion enough to be the better team over 60 minutes to force the tiebreaker 3-on-3, winner take all 20 minute OT. I certainly hope that that is the outcome, as it would be a terrific and fitting cap-off to a showcase of this magnitude and significance.