The 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge opened at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday night, as the United States National Team Development Program squad took the first of the two-game series with a score of 4-2.
The series pits some of the top-rated NHL prospects from across the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) against the United States National Development Team (USNDT).
Team CHL was created from the best draft-eligible players in the league, regardless of nationality. Five American-born players will suit up for Team CHL this year.
This year marks the second time the two nations have faced off, after Team CHL took both games in last year’s event.
“NHL scouts are looking forward to the 2026 CHL USA prospect games after the success of last year’s inaugural event,” said National Hockey League director of Central Scouting Dan Marr in an interview with NHL.com.
“The games will again assemble over 40 highly ranked draft-eligible prospects who will give their all in two naturally competitive games, which will benefit the scouts and players and entertain fans leading up to the 2026 Draft.”
Before the game started, retired Calgary Flames legend, Lanny MacDonald, gave the CHL team a stack of Calgary’s iconic white cowboy hats as a sign of respect and good luck.
“We have a white hat tradition to welcome newcomers,” said MacDonald. “Play as a team and kick the USA’s ass, and I will be the happiest person here.”
How it happened
Both teams came out of the gates playing a hard brand of hockey, resulting in the United States National Development Team’s Dayne Beuker opening the scoring with a goal against the CHL just 7:59 minutes into the period.
Continuing the pressure against the CHL to open the second period, Sammy Nelson put away another hard-working goal during a scramble in front of the CHL net only 3:31 minutes into the period.
With ground to make up, Chase Reid let loose a picture-perfect one-timer to get the CHL on the board 13:53 minutes into the 2nd period.
Wyatt Cullen responded for the Americans at 6:46 into the third period, as he fired home a snapshot to make it 3-1.
Six minutes later, Mathis Preston gave some life to the CHL as he snapped a goal of his own to make it 3-2.
It was too little too late for the CHL, however, as Team USA would ice it for an empty-net goal to make it a 4-2 final score.
The reaction
A lights-out performance throughout the game, USNDT’s goalie Brady Knowling made 42 of 44 saves on the night.
“I think the team battled in front of me. A lot of blocked shots, give them a lot of credit,” said Knowling.
After losing both games of the series last year, Knowling and the rest of the USNDT were looking to come out on top this year.
“We didn’t want to lose when we came out, but we came out and played a full 60 minutes,” said Knowling. “I love representing Team USA, I take honour in wearing the jersey, and it’s the cherry on top to beat the CHL.”
They’ll have the opportunity to sweep the CHL on Wednesday night, as the series shifts to Lethbridge, Alta.
