The upcoming CHL and USA Hockey Challenge aims to showcase top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) roster features several American-born players who are poised to leave their mark in these games.
Key Players on Team CHL
Among the notable participants is A-rated right wing Nikita Klepov from Windsor, who hails from Deerfield Beach, Florida. Klepov recently achieved a gold medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He is joined by other American talents including:
- Harrison Boettiger – B-rated goalie from Kelowna, WHL, originally from Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
- Chase Reid – A-rated defenseman from Sault Ste. Marie, OHL, from Chesterfield, Michigan.
- J.P. Hurlbert – A-rated forward from Kamloops, WHL, hailing from Allen, Texas.
Player Insights
Teenage athletes like Lin express excitement about competing alongside U.S. players. “I hope they want to win as badly as we do,” said Lin. This competition represents a display of the skills present in the CHL, fostering a friendly rivalry.
The NTDP U-18 team also features a top prospect in defenseman Luke Schairer, who stands tall at 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds. Schairer, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, has five assists over 21 games this season and has committed to Boston University for the 2026-27 season. Central Scouting’s associate director, David Gregory, touts Schairer’s skating and puck-movement abilities.
Additionally, Victor Plante, a standout on the NTDP with 19 points (nine goals, ten assists) and four power-play goals in 21 games, is also a player to watch. Committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he enters the challenge as a B-rated prospect with second- or third-round potential.
Game Format Overview
The tournament features an exciting points system where teams earn two points for a win, regardless of the game outcome. In the event of a tie, a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime follows, with a potential shootout determining the winner. If the teams remain tied after two games, a series-deciding 3-on-3 overtime period will continue until a goal is scored.
Recent History
Last season, Team CHL demonstrated its dominance by sweeping the inaugural CHL USA Prospects Challenge. They celebrated victories with a decisive 6-1 result in London, Ontario, followed by a 3-2 win in Oshawa, Ontario. Looking ahead, the challenge sets the stage for an exciting preview of talent heading into the 2026 NHL Draft.
