USA Hockey to Participate in Inaugural CHL USA Prospects Challenge

The Canadian Hockey League and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program will look to capitalize on the sport’s cross-border rivalry by having its top draft-eligible prospects face off in an annual two-game series starting in November.

The CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League face the USA Hockey National Under-18 Team. The London Knights and the Oshawa Generals will host the series. The games will take place November 26–27, with the first contest at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, and the second game at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario.

“We are really excited to be heading to two strong hockey markets in London and Oshawa for the inaugural edition of this brand-new event,” said Dan MacKenzie, president of the CHL. “The CHL USA Prospects Challenge will be a can’t-miss, two-game series on the prospect calendar not only for this season but for years to come. We look forward to bringing it to life in London and Oshawa this November and providing our incredible fans with a chance to come watch a future generation of NHL stars.”

The objective of the event is to showcase the players in front of NHL scouts to improve their draft stock ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. Players for the CHL team will be provided by NHL Central Scouting as selected by the NHL’s 32 clubs. The Michigan-based NTDP, established by USA Hockey in 1996, is a development program for America’s top juniors, with the team spending its season competing in the USHL, while rounding out its schedule playing in international tournaments and against U.S. colleges. NTDP alumni include NHL No. 1 draft picks such as Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes.

“We are thrilled to bring some of the best junior hockey players in the world to our fans in London,” said Mark Hunter, the vice president and general manager of the London Knights. “It will be an exciting game to watch and to see the next group of young men that aspire to play in the National Hockey League. It is a great thing for our organization, city and our community to be a part of.”

The format of the event will see teams earn two points for a win. If a game is tied after regulation, teams will play a five-minute three-on-three overtime period, followed by a three-round shootout if necessary. If the teams each have two points following the second game, they will play 3-on-3, 20-minute period(s) until a goal is scored to determine the winner of the series.

“The entire Generals organization and I are extremely excited to bring this prospects game to Oshawa and our loyal fans,” said Rocco Tullio, the owner, president and governor of the Oshawa Generals. “This event is the first ever of its kind and we look forward to hosting and showcasing what our great city, community and fans have to offer.”