Preston, Beltchez Lead Button’s Team CHL in Prospect Challenge

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is preparing for the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in November. This event is set for November 25 and 26 and will feature the best young talents from Canada and the USA, with games hosted by the Calgary Hitmen and the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Prospects Challenge Overview

The CHL will face the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in a two-game series. The U.S. National Under-18 Team, which plays in the United States Hockey League, has strong aspirations and is led by top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Casey Mutryn.

Team Selection Process

• CHL management consults NHL Central Scouting.
• 32 NHL teams provide input on promising prospects.
• Coaching staff is headed by Willie Desjardins from the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Players confirmed for Team CHL include Ryan Lin from the Vancouver Giants, Xavier Villeneuve from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, and Ryan Roobroeck from the Niagara IceDogs. The rest of the roster is still under consideration.

Highlighted Players on Team CHL

Craig Button, TSN’s Director of Scouting, has projected his ideal Team CHL roster. Key forwards on his list include:

• Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires) – Recognized as a leading scorer in the OHL with 12 goals and 19 points in 15 games.
• Mathis Preston (Spokane Chiefs) – Had an impressive rookie season with 23 goals and played crucial roles at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
• Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs) – One of the notable forwards contributing to the team’s performance.

Defensive Strengths

Button emphasizes the defensive lineup, featuring:

• Ryan Lin – Currently leading WHL defensemen with 19 points.
• Xavier Villeneuve – Noted for his standout performance in the QMJHL.
• Carson Carels and Daxon Rudolph – Both bringing significant skills to the defensive squad.

Goaltending Situation

The goaltender selected by Button for Team CHL is Gavin Betts of the Kingston Frontenacs. His accomplishments include:

• Current rookie record: 4-4-1, with a 2.98 GAA.
• Outstanding performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a 1.44 GAA.

Incorporating Diverse Talent

Unlike previous years, this CHL roster may include six players who do not represent Canada internationally. Among these is:

• JP Hurlbert – The WHL’s leading scorer with 28 points this season.
• Players from various backgrounds, including Czechia and Switzerland.

Projected Roster for Team CHL

This roster reflects the depth of talent available in the CHL and the exciting potential for the upcoming CHL USA Prospects Challenge.