ROSTERS UNVEILED FOR INAUGURAL CONNOR MCDAVID OHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME PRESENTED BY ENBRIDGE GAS

Toronto, ON – Forty-two OHL players on the NHL scouting radar will hit the ice in Brantford on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 for an exciting, first of its kind event for the Ontario Hockey League.

The inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game presented by Enbridge Gas pits the league’s top prospects from the Eastern Conference against those of the Western Conference as NHL scouts will be out in full force at the Brantford Civic Centre to witness this highly anticipated event.

Rosters were selected by a committee that included representatives from NHL Central Scouting with input from NHL General Managers along with OHL General Managers Matt Turek (Brantford Bulldogs/Eastern Conference) and Dave Drinkill (Saginaw Spirit/Western Conference). Each team features 19 skaters and two goaltenders, with a pair of roster spots on each team filled by unsigned overage players at the request of NHL Central Scouting.

The Eastern Conference will serve as the home team and is led by three ‘A’ rated prospects on NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list including forwards Porter Martone (Brampton Steelheads) and local star Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs) while Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts) brings physicality on the blueline. In goal, three-time Canadian gold medalist Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads) joins another local talent in David Egorov (Brantford Bulldogs). Sophomore forward Joshua Avery gives the host Brantford Bulldogs three players competing in the game.

The Eastern Conference will be staffed by representatives from the Brantford Bulldogs including Head Coach Jay McKee and assistants Vince Laise, Ryan Kuwabara and Laura Fortino. Support staff includes Athletic Therapist JP Laciak and Equipment Manager Chris Cook.

Across the ice, the Western Conference features A-rated talent in a quartet of former high-end OHL Priority Selection choices in forwards Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit), Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters) and Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds) with Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters) on the back end.

The Western Conference is staffed by representatives from the reigning Memorial Cup champion Saginaw Spirit including Head Coach Chris Lazary along with assistants Jake Grimes and Garrett Rutledge. Support staff includes Athletic Trainer Andrew Plate and Equipment Manager Lester Tiu.

The Saginaw Spirit lead all clubs with four players selected to the game followed by the Barrie Colts, Brampton Steelheads, Brantford Bulldogs, Erie Otters, Kitchener Rangers and Owen Sound Attack with three each.

Tickets are now on sale for this brand new event, but don’t delay as they’ll move fast with the holidays right around the corner! Stay tuned to ontariohockeyleague.com and @OHLHockey (X), @ohlofficial (Instagram) and @OHLHockey (Facebook) as we learn more about these tremendous young players pursuing their hockey dream!

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month: November

Each Ontario Hockey League season, we make our selections for forward of the month, defenceman of the month and goaltender of the month among the league’s players eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. Now that the month of November is behind us, let’s take a look at our choices.

Forward of the Month: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

Misa takes this in consecutive months after posting 7 goals and 15 assists in just 12 games in the month of November. He was held pointless just once on November third against the Kitchener Rangers. He recorded a Gordie Howe Hattrick on November 30 against Brampton. He also finished the month a plus-12. Surprisingly, he did not register a game winning goal and only one of his goals came on the powerplay and that came on November 2 against Owen Sound.

Also considered was Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads. Martone finished with 6 goals and 16 assists in 12 games and was held off the score sheet just twice. He finished the month with an even plus/minus. Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs was also considered. O’Brien had 7 goals and 15 assists in November. He was held off the scoresheet in 4 games and was a minus-5 in the month of November.

Defenceman of the Month: Matthew Schaefer – Erie Otters

Schaefer appeared in 11 games during the Month of November and scored 5 goals and added 10 assists. He was held off the score sheet 3 times and finished the month with a plus-16. He was a minus player just twice with the first being November 8 against the Guelph Storm and the other November 23 against the Kitchener Rangers. He had a whopping 41 shots on goal in those 11 games.

There wasn’t much considered after Schaefer. James Guo of the Saginaw Spirit had 2 goals and 8 assists in 12 games while Jack Brauti of the Niagara IceDogs has 2 goals and 7 assists in 11 games.

Goaltender of the Month: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

Medvedev went a perfect 6-0-0-0 in the month of November stopping 174 of 186 shots for a .935 save percentage with 1 shutout. His goals against average in those 6 games was a measly 1.98.

Also considered was Ben Hrebik of the Barrie Colts. Hrebik went 3-1-0-0 in 5 appearances for the Colts. He stopped 124 of 131 shots for a .947 save percentage. Two of his appearances were in relief.

Previous choices

Forward of the Month

October: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

November: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

Defenceman of the Month

October: Cameron Reid – Kitchener Rangers

November: Matthew Schaefer – Erie Otters

Goaltender of the Month

October: Joey Costanzo – Windsor Spitfires

November: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: November

Another month of the Ontario Hockey League season has come and gone, so it’s time we look at the statistical leaders among players eligible for the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

If anything, November just reinforces the fact that this is a two-horse race between Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit and Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads. Of course, Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters is drawing a lot of attention and he sits third among defencemen in scoring and has played 11 fewer games.

As always, we take great care in compiling stats, but always refer to the OHL website for official stats.

Points Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Michael MisaSaginaw24242448
Porter MartoneBrampton23182947
Kristian EppersonSaginaw24102333
Jake O’BrienBrantford25122032
Malcolm SpenceErie23111829
Luca RomanoKitchener24141226
Brady MartinSoo24121224
Justin CloutierSoo25121123
Adam ZidlickyBrampton24121022
Shamar MosesNorth Bay2451722
Goal Scoring Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGGPG
Michael MisaSaginaw24241.00
Porter MartoneBrampton23180.78
Luca RomanoKitchener24140.58
Jake O’BrienBrantford25120.48
Brady MartinSoo24120.50
Justin CloutierSoo25120.48
Adam ZidlickyBrampton24120.50
Malcolm SpenceErie23110.48
Kristian EppersonSaginaw24100.42
Matthew SotoKingston23100.43
Assist Leaders
PlayerTeamGPAAPG
Porter MartoneBrampton23291.26
Michael MisaSaginaw24241.00
Kristian EppersonSaginaw24230.96
Jake O’BrienBrantford25200.80
Malcolm SpenceErie23180.78
Tanner LamKitchener25180.72
Cameron ReidKitchener25180.72
Shamar MosesNorth Bay24170.71
Mitch YoungSarnia23150.65
Jack BrautiNiagara24150.63
Defencemen Point Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Reid CameronKitchener2541822
Anthony CristoforoWindsor2651419
Matthew SchaeferErie1461218
Mitch YoungSarnia2331518
Jack BrautiNiagara2431518
Kashawn AitchesonBarrie228917
Henry BrzustewiczLondon2441317
Jakob ChromiakKitchener2021315
Braedyn RogersOwen Sound2641014
James GuoSaginaw2421113
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
PlayerTeamGPMinGAAvg
Joey CostanzoWindsor211224482.35
Aleksei MedvedevLondon14757332.62
Noah ErlidenErie191097512.79
Sam HillebrandtBarrie191062502.82
Nate KrawchukSudbury18986472.86
Mason VaccariKingston14765382.98
David EgorovBrantford13743372.99
Jaeden NelsonOttawa10621313.00
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
PlayerTeamGPSHSVSSV%
Joey CostanzoWindsor215875390.918
Aleksei MedvedevLondon143973640.917
Nate KrawchukSudbury185374900.912
Noah ErlidenErie195755240.911
Mike McIvorNorth Bay134283900.911
Sam HillebrandtBarrie195264760.905
David EgorovBrantford133843470.904
Zach BowenPeterborough155865300.904

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month: October

Each Ontario Hockey League season, we make our selections for forward of the month, defenceman of the month and goaltender of the month among the league’s players eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. Now that the month of October is behind us, let’s take a look at our choices.

Forward of the Month – Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

Misa appeared in 10 games for the Spirit in October and scored 10 goals while adding 8 assists in those games. Only one of those goals came with the man advantage while another came while down a man. He never managed less than 3 SOG and had a high of 9 SOG on October 26 against the London Knights. Misa was named the OHL’s player of the month for October.

Also considered was Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads. Martone appeared in 9 games and scored 11 goals and added 8 assists. He was only held off the scoresheet once on October 12 against the Barrie Colts. Martone was runner up to Misa for the OHL’s player of the month.

Defenceman of the Month – Cameron Reid – Kitchener Rangers

Reid appeared in 12 games in October and scored 3 goals and adding 10 assists to lead all draft eligible defencemen. Five of his games were multi point games and he was a minus player in just 3 games in October.

Also considered were Jack Brauti of the Niagara IceDogs with 1 goal and 7 assists in 11 games and Mitch Young of the Sarnia Sting with 2 goals and 6 assists in 13 games.

Goaltender of the Month – Joey Costanzo – Windsor Spitfires

Costanzo appeared in 8 games and went 7-1-0-0 in those games while stopping 190 of 201 shots he faced for a save percentage of .945 and a goals-against average of 1.63. He was named the OHL’s goaltender of the month for October.

Also considered was Noah Erliden of the Erie Otters who played in 7 games with a 4-1-1-9 record. He stopped 239 of 256 shots he faced for a .934 save percentage. 

INAUGURAL CONNOR MCDAVID OHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME PRESENTED BYENBRIDGE GAS COMING TO BRANTFORDON JANUARY 15, 2025

The OHL’s top NHL Draft eligibles go head-to-head in an East vs. West showcase in the Telephone City

 

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League’s top NHL Draft eligible prospects will hit the ice on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 7:00pm at the Civic Centre in Brantford as the Eastern Conference battles the Western Conference in the all-new Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game presented by Enbridge Gas.

“The OHL produced 39 players selected in the 2024 NHL Draft, the most by any league in the world,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “We’ve produced more than 2,500 NHL Draft selections over the past 55 years, and this event, named after one of the league’s distinguished alumni and one of the best players to ever play the game, will only serve to build on that great tradition of development.”

The OHL’s top NHL Draft prospects will represent their respective conferences before NHL scouts and an enthusiastic Brantford crowd that has supported the hometown Bulldogs consistently since their arrival in the Telephone City at the start of last season.

“We are honoured to host the Top Prospects Game and welcome the next generation of hockey stars to the City of Brantford,” said Mayor Kevin Davis, who has held office in Brantford since 2018. “This event is a fantastic chance to highlight our community’s passion for hockey and the Brantford Bulldogs, bringing fans together for an unforgettable showcase of talent.”

Enbridge Gas, proud sponsors of the Ontario Hockey League, will serve as the presenting sponsor of the annual showcase that gives rising stars a platform to make their mark against other top draft eligibles from across the league.

One of the game’s marquee talents, Connor McDavid’s OHL legacy during his time with the Erie Otters is commemorated in the title of the annual showcase. McDavid, whose #97 will be retired by the Otters on January 10, 2025, is a former Most Outstanding Player, Rookie of the Year, Playoff MVP and two-time Academic Player of the Year in the OHL and today serves as captain of the Edmonton Oilers where he’s amassed nearly 1,000 points over parts of 10 NHL seasons. McDavid is a former first overall NHL Draft pick, three-time recipient of the Hart Trophy presented to the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, and has led the NHL in scoring on five different occasions.

Players selected as MVP for their respective teams in the annual showcase will be recognized with the Connor McDavid 97 Award as a result of their performance.

Following a pre-sale to Bulldogs season ticket members, tickets for the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game will go on sale at a date soon to be announced, with rosters selected by NHL Member Teams and NHL Central Scouting to be announced in mid to late November.

Follow along for more updates at ontariohockeyleague.com and by following along on social media with the hashtag #OHLTopProspects.

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SIXTY-TWO OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING PRELIMINARY PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 62 OHL players have been included on NHL Central Scouting’s October ‘Players to Watch’ List for the 2025 NHL Draft scheduled to take place next summer.

The 62 OHL players are part of an overall total of 155 players from across the Canadian Hockey League included on the list.

Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts, Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds, Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit, Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads, Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs, along with Matthew Schaefer and Malcolm Spence of the Erie Otters received ‘A’ ratings, indicating a potential first round selection.

An additional six players were assigned ‘B’ ratings indicating a potential second or third round selection, and 16 received ‘C’ designations indicating a potential fourth or fifth round candidate, while 33 received ‘W’ ratings indicating potential sixth or seventh round picks.

All 20 OHL member teams are represented on the list led by the Brampton Steelheads, Brantford Bulldogs, Soo Greyhounds and Owen Sound Attack with six players included, followed by the Saginaw Spirit, Guelph Storm and North Bay Battalion with five.

The list includes 38 OHL forwards, 15 defencemen and nine goaltenders.

2025 NHL Central Scouting October Players to Watch List – OHL

Players have been identified using the following criteria:

• A Rating – Indicates a first round candidate
• B Rating – Indicates a second or third round candidate
• C Rating – Indicates a fourth/fifth round candidate
• W Rating – Indicates a sixth/seventh round candidate

SKATERS

RATINGPLAYERPOS.TEAM
AKashawn AitchesonDBarrie Colts
ABrady MartinCSoo Greyhounds
APorter MartoneRWBrampton Steelheads
AMichael MisaCSaginaw Spirit
AJake O’BrienCBrantford Bulldogs
AMatthew SchaeferDErie Otters
AMalcolm SpenceLWErie Otters
BDavid BedkowskiDOwen Sound Attack
BJimmy LombardiCFlint Firebirds
BJack NesbittCWindsor Spitfires
BCameron ReidDKitchener Rangers
BLuca RomanoCKitchener Rangers
CHenry BrzustewiczDLondon Knights
CCarson CameronDPeterborough Petes
CJake CrawfordCOwen Sound Attack
CFilip EkbergRWOttawa 67’s
CKristian EppersonLWSaginaw Spirit
CTravis HayesRWSoo Greyhounds
CTyler HopkinsCKingston Frontenacs
CLucas KarmirisCBrampton Steelheads
CShamar MosesRWNorth Bay Battalion
CHarry NansiRWOwen Sound Attack
CEvan PassmoreDBarrie Colts
CDaniil SkvortsovDGuelph Storm
CCaden TaylorLWPeterborough Petes
CQuinn BeauchesneDGuelph Storm
WLirim AmidovskiRWNorth Bay Battalion
WBlake ArrowsmithRWLondon Knights
WJoshua AveryCBrantford Bulldogs
WGabriel ChiarotRWBrampton Steelheads
WJacob CloutierRWSaginaw Spirit
WEthan CzataCNiagara IceDogs
WTristan DelisleCOwen Sound Attack
WLuke DragusicaDBrampton Steelheads
WJosh GlavinDSaginaw Spirit
WOwen GriffinCOshawa Generals
WCharlie HiltonLWSoo Greyhounds
WParker HolmesLWBrantford Bulldogs
WHughston HurtDSarnia Sting
WRuslan KarimovRWSarnia Sting
WKimi KorblerRWOttawa 67’s
WTanner LamRWKitchener Rangers
WJeremy MartinLWFlint Firebirds
WHunter McKenzieLWGuelph Storm
WLauri SinivuoriLWOshawa Generals
WGabriel SmithDOwen Sound Attack
WBrady SmithCSoo Greyhounds
WParker SnelgroveCGuelph Storm
WGrant SpadaDGuelph Storm
WLuca TestaLWBrantford Bulldogs
WXander VelliarisDKingston Frontenacs
WAiden YoungLWPeterborough Petes
WDavid EgorovGBrantford Bulldogs
WJacob GibbonsGBrampton Steelheads
WMatthew KoprowskiGOwen Sound Attack
WFinn MarshallGSudbury Wolves
WMike McIvorGNorth Bay Battalion
WJaeden NelsonGOttawa 67’s

GOALTENDERS

RATINGGOALTENDERTEAM
BJack IvankovicBrampton Steelheads
CCharlie LarocqueNorth Bay Battalion
CAlexei MedvedevLondon Knights
WDavid EgorovBrantford Bulldogs
WJacob GibbonsBrampton Steelheads
WMatthew KoprowskiOwen Sound Attack
WFinn MarshallSudbury Wolves
WMike McIvorNorth Bay Battalion
WJaeden NelsonOttawa 67’s
WMichael NewloveWindsor Spitfires

To view the complete list, visit NHL.com.

Team CHL roster revealed for 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce the roster for Team CHL ahead of the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada (see complete roster below). The latter is a new event that will see the top first-year 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL’s Member Leagues – the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – face off against USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team in a two-game series on November 26 in London, Ont., and November 27 in Oshawa, Ont. (Game 1 – LondonGame 2 – Oshawa).

The 22 players on Team CHL were selected from a list of the top 2025 NHL Draft prospects as generated by a survey conducted with all 32 NHL clubs. Using that list of players produced by surveying NHL teams, the CHL coaching staff comprised of head coach Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), assistant coaches Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL) and Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL) along with general manager Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL) worked together to identify the final 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders chosen to be on the team.

Among the forwards set to be on Team CHL are Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Porter Martone (Brampton Steelheads / OHL), Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals / WHL), Cameron Schmidt (Vancouver Giants / WHL), Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL), and Justin Carbonneau (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL). Misa (14G-7A in 10 GP), currently riding a 10-game point streak, leads the CHL with 14 goals so far through the 2024-25 campaign. Martone (10G-10A in 9 GP) ranks second in the OHL with 10 goals, while Reschny (2G-11A in 9 GP) has registered points in seven of nine games in the WHL this season. Additionally, with a CHL-best 11-game point streak to start the 2024-25 campaign, Schmidt (12G-7A in 11 GP) leads the WHL with 12 goals and sits atop the scoring leaders of that league with 19 points. Finally, averaging just over 1.4 points per game, both Desnoyers (3G-7A in 7 GP) and Carbonneau (7G-9A in 11 GP) have enjoyed strong starts to their years in the QMJHL.

On the backend, the Team CHL blueline is set to feature five defencemen who helped Canada win gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer: Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL), Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans / WHL), Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen / WHL), Quinn Beauchesne (Guelph Storm / OHL), and Cameron Reid (Kitchener Rangers / OHL). At that same tournament, Blake Fiddler (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL), the lone American on Team CHL, captained Team USA to a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL) was part of Team Canada’s gold-medal-winning squad at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship last spring.

In net, Team CHL will be backstopped by goaltenders Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads / OHL) and Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL). Ivankovic (4-0-0-0 record, 1.71 GAA, .936 SV%, 1 SO in 5 GP) leads all OHL netminders with a 1.71 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage. At the same time, through 10 starts, Ravensbergen (6-1-2-1 record, 3.14 GAA, .898 SV% in 10 GP) leads the WHL with six wins and he only has one regulation loss to his name to start the year.

In total, 19 CHL clubs will be represented at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada, led by the Erie Otters, Calgary Hitmen, and Brampton Steelheads who each feature a pair of players. Among the 22 players on Team CHL, 18 of them have previously won a gold medal representing their country on the international stage, including 13 who helped Canada reach the top of the podium at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alta.

Building off of one of hockey’s greatest rivalries between Canada and the United States, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see players from the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team compete before hundreds of NHL scouts and thousands of fans in an effort to improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft.

The first game will take place on Tuesday, November 26 at Canada Life Place in London, Ont., while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 27 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ont. Fans interested in buying tickets for either game can do so in person at the box office or online:  

GAME 1 TICKETS: LONDON
GAME 2 TICKETS: OSHAWA

As a reminder, the CHL is now accepting applications for media and photo accreditation to the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge. The deadline to apply for a media and/or photo credential for either game is Monday, November 4, 2024. Media and photographers interested in applying for accreditation can do so below:

Forwards (13)
(F) Carter Bear, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
(F) Justin Carbonneau, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
(F) Braeden Cootes, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
(F) Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
(F) Benjamin Kindel, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
(F) Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
(F) Brady Martin, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
(F) Porter Martone, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
(F) Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
(F) Jake O’Brien, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
(F) Cole Reschny, Victoria Royals (WHL)
(F) Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
(F) Malcolm Spence, Erie Otters (OHL)

*(F) Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) is unable to participate due to a long-term injury

Defencemen (7)
(D) Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie Colts (OHL)
(D) Quinn Beauchesne, Guelph Storm (OHL)
(D) Blake Fiddler, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
(D) Reese Hamilton, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
(D) Cameron Reid, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
(D) Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters (OHL)
(D) Jackson Smith, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Goaltenders (2)
(G) Jack Ivankovic, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
(G) Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Coaching & Support Staff
General Manager – Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL)
Head Coach – Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets / WHL)
Assistant Coach – Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL)
Assistant Coach – Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL)
Equipment Manager (Game 1) – Chris Maton (London Knights / OHL) 
Equipment Manager (Game 2) – Bryan Boyes (Oshawa Generals / OHL)
Athletic Therapist (Game 1) – Luca Paron (London Knights / OHL)
Athletic Therapist (Game 2) – Shawn Winters (Oshawa Generals / OHL)

Coaching staff for Team CHL named for the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce the coaching staff that will lead Team CHL at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada. The latter is a new event that will see the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL face off against USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team in a two-game series on November 26 in London, Ont., and November 27 in Oshawa, Ont.

With representation from the CHL’s three Member Leagues in its coaching staff, Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets / WHL) will lead Team CHL as its head coach, while Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL) and Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL) will join him on the bench as assistant coaches. All three recently helped Team Canada to a third consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past August, and they will reprise the roles they served in Edmonton but this time for the CHL at its newest event.

Building off of one of hockey’s greatest rivalries between Canada and the United States, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see the top prospects from the CHL’s Member Leagues – Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – compete against those from the U.S. National Under-18 Team

Fans interested in buying tickets for either game can do so online (Game 1 – LondonGame 2 – Oshawa). The first game will take place on Tuesday, November 26 at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ont., while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 27 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ont. 

“We are excited to be bringing on board three coaches with the level of experience Kris, Gordie, and Ryan have to lead our Team CHL at this first-ever CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “All three have extensive experience coaching in the CHL and internationally. Having recently worked with a number of our 2025 NHL Draft prospects at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where they captured gold as part of that team’s coaching staff, Kris, Gordie, and Ryan will be excellent coaches to lead the talented group of players from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL who will represent the CHL at this new event.”

“I feel very fortunate and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the CHL. It’s obviously somewhere that I’ve been for coming up into my eleventh season as a coach and then my time as a player too,” said Kris Mallette, head coach of the Kelowna Rockets and Team CHL. “Having a relationship with some of these players in a high-pressure environment I think will help because it’s built some trust between myself and those players. This event will be a great showcase for the players within the WHL and players across the CHL. We as a staff have the opportunity to be the first to try and have some success at this event so I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Players for the CHL team will be provided by NHL Central Scouting as selected by the NHL’s 32 clubs with the CHL’s coaching staff playing a role in identifying the final 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders who will be chosen to compete for Team CHL at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge. The roster for Team CHL is expected to be announced by the end of October.

Mallette is currently in his fifth season (2020-24) as the head coach of the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL), having previously served as an assistant coach with the club for six seasons (2014-20). During his time as an assistant coach with the Rockets, Mallette won a WHL championship and helped the Rockets reach the Memorial Cup final in 2015. Internationally, he’s won three gold medals with Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, two as an assistant (2022 & 2023), and his most recent one as the team’s head coach in 2024. He also earned a silver medal as the head coach of Canada Red at the 2021 Capital City Challenge. Before his time behind the bench, Mallette was a defenceman for four seasons in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets and Moose Jaw Warriors. As a player, he was also selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft and enjoyed a nine-year career playing professional hockey.

Since 2022, Dwyer has served as the head coach and general manager of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Now in his third season with the Titan, Dwyer previously spent time as the head coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs, Shawinigan Cataractes, Charlottetown Islanders, and Prince Edward Island Rocket. This past summer, Dwyer won gold with Team Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. He also earned gold as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship and won a bronze medal a pair of times – once as Canada’s head coach at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games and the other as an assistant coach at the 2012 IIHF U18 World Championship. Prior to becoming a coach, Dwyer played four seasons as a forward in the QMJHL with the Québec Remparts, Drummondville Voltigeurs, Beauport Harfangs, Laval Titan Collège Français, and Hull Olympiques, where he won a Gilles-Courteau Trophy in 1995. He also played professionally for 11 years, including games over five seasons in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, and Montreal Canadiens.

Oulahen is in his sixth season as head coach of the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Before that, he spent three seasons as head coach of the Flint Firebirds and six seasons as an assistant coach with the Battalion (2010-16). Alongside Mallette and Dwyer, Oulahen helped Canada to a third straight gold medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. Additionally, on the international stage, Oulahen was also behind the bench at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2014 (assistant coach, Canada Red), 2015 (assistant coach, Canada Black), and 2017 (head coach, Canada White). He also served as an assistant at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning gold. A former captain during his playing days in the OHL with the Battalion, Oulahen played three seasons as a forward for the franchise he now coaches. He was later drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and played four seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. 

Set to be a part of the calendar over the next three seasons, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see players from the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team compete before hundreds of NHL scouts and thousands of fans in an effort to improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft. Much like other national events in the CHL, the hosting duties of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will rotate between the CHL’s Member League markets each year.

OHL’s Draft Eligible Players for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft

The 2024-2025 Ontario Hockey League season is upon us and as we always do here on OHL Writers, we will take a look at each team’s players that are available for the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

The players are listed with their respective OHL teams along with position, height, weight (per the OHL) date of birth and whether 2025 will be their first, second or third draft.

As always, we take great care in compiling these lists, but please refer to each team’s website for official rosters. These players were listed on the team’s opening night rosters.

BARRIE COLTS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Cole DubowskyC6’0″1842007-06-111st
Nolan NewtonRW5’9″1652006-01-272nd
Bode StewartLW6’1″1752006-02-092nd
Shamar MosesRW6’1″2022007-05-061st
Carter LoweLW6’3″2152006-03-012nd
Michael DerbidgeLW6’1″1992005-04-043rd
Grayson TillerD5’10”1932005-02-203rd
Kashawn AitchesonD6’1″1982006-09-211st
Evan PassmoreD6’4″2102006-12-051st
Sam HillebrandtG6’1″1702005-02-213rd
Ben HrebikG6’3″1992006-04-042nd
BRAMPTON STEELHEADS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Parker Von RichterD6’1″1952006-05-172nd
Reed GeeD6’0″1852006-03-122nd
Kieran WitkowskiLW5’11”1762007-02-071st
Jack Van VolsenC6’2″1902006-01-122nd
William EggletonLW5’11”1802006-02-192nd
Mason ZebeskiLW6’2″1972005-10-042nd
Gabriel ChiarotRW5’11”1912006-09-171st
Luke DragusicaD6’1″1782007-02-161st
Lucas KarmirisC5’11”1902006-09-271st
MacGregor RichmondRW5’9″1802006-08-062nd
Martin VaculikRW6’0″1742006-09-201st
Adam ZidlickyLW6’0″1702005-01-283rd
Porter MartoneRW6’3″2082006-10-261st
Jack IvankovicG5’11”1782007-05-221st
Jacob GibbonsG6’5″2052006-11-231st
BRANTFORD BULLDOGS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Noah NelsonC6’1″1832005-03-282nd
Calvin CrombieRW6’0″1862005-09-032nd
Dylan TshernaRW6’0″1772007-02-221st
Jake O’BrienC6’2″1702007-06-161st
Briir LongC5’11”1542007-07-221st
Joshua AveryC6’1″1702007-01-301st
Luca TestaC6’1″1842006-04-102nd
Lucas MooreD5’101932005-06-073rd
Noah RobertsD6’1″1952005-12-022nd
Niko KrmpoticD6’1″1912007-04-191st
Ben RadleyD6’0″1802007-07-291st
Daniel ChenD6’5″1952006-08-042nd
David EgorovG6’0″1802006-05-182nd
ERIE OTTERS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Georgy ToroptsevLW6’0″1872006-04-222nd
Diego Da SilvaLW5’11”2082005-11-212nd
Dylan EdwardsRW5’8″1692005-07-203rd
Jack ClarkeLW6’0″1842007-06-051st
Malcolm SpenceLW6’2″2012006-09-221st
Alex MessierLW6’3″2132005-03-233rd
Gabriel FrascaC6’1″1802006-02-182nd
Brett HammondRW6’2″1882006-09-082nd
Ondrej MolnarLW5’10”1752005-02-083rd
Nathan SauderD6’1″2022005-02-013rd
Keagan KnightD6’1″1972007-01-111st
Matthew SchaeferD6’2″1832007-09-051st
Nicholas HolomegoD6’5″2032006-05-192nd
Noah ErlidenG5’11”1832005-09-092nd
Charlie BurnsG6’1″1722006-01-272nd
FLINT FIREBIRDS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Christopher ThibodeauRW5’10”1582005-10-132nd
Jimmy LombardiC6’0″1782007-02-161st
Josh ColosimoC6’2″1852006-01-132nd
Jeremy MartinLW6’1″1952007-02-061st
Max AndersonC5’10”1602007-07-181st
Matthew WangLW6’2″2022005-08-223rd
Alex KostovRW6’4″1952006-06-032nd
Artem FrolovD6’1″1932007-05-051st
Rylan FellingerD6’4″2002007-05-161st
Urban PodrekarD6’0″1952005-02-143rd
Jacob BrownG6’3″1902006-03-072nd
GUELPH STORM
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Parker SnelgroveC6’0″1892007-01-021st
Sam JohnstonRW6’4″1872007-07-301st
Leo SerlinRW6’0″1902006-01-202nd
Charlie PaquetteRW6’2″2072005-12-062nd
Jimmy SutherlandLW5’9″1602007-02-141st
Hunter McKenzieLW6’0″1932006-12-071st
Wil McFaddenC5’8″1702007-02-151sr
Rowan ToppD6’2″2032006-04-022nd
Quinn BeauchesneD6’0″1872007-03-011st
Daniil SkvortsovD6’4″2002007-01-121st
Brayden GillespieG5’11”1722005-07-232nd
KINGSTON FRONTENACS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Ben PickellC5’9″1862005-07-203rd
Luke McNamaraC6’3″1822005-03-023rd
Ethan WeirRW5’11”1962007-01-101st
Tyler HopkinsC6’1″1802007-01-231st
Matthew SotoRW6’0″1852005-08-313rd
Lukas MooreD6’2″1952007-04-201st
Maleek McGowanD6’0″1902005-06-133rd
Vann WilliamsonD6’1″1882006-07-192nd
Jakub ChromiakD5’11”1832005-11-022nd
Cal UensD5’9″1682005-02-113rd
Xander VelliarisD6’3″2052007-04-231st
Mason VaccariG5’10”1842005-04-293rd
KITCHENER RANGERS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Cameron ArquetteRW5’8″1702007-04-271st
Cameron MercerC6’0″1802005-05-273rd
Andrew VermeulenLW6’2″2002006-02-072nd
Tanner LamRW5’8″1402007-07-141st
Matthew HlacerLW6’3″2052006-05-312nd
Justin BottineauLW6’0″1682006-01-112nd
Luca RomanoC5’11”1682007-06-251st
Jack LaBrashLW6’5″1962007-03-041st
Carson CampbellD6’1″1802006-06-082nd
Cameron ReidD6’0″1752007-04-081st
Kaden SchneiderD6’3″1812007-06-291st
Andrew MacNielD6’2″1702007-07-251st
Owen EdwardsG6’3″1702007-01-021st
LONDON KNIGHTS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Ryder BoultonLW5’10”1942006-06-212nd
Evan Van GorpLW5’10”1552006-05-182nd
Blake ArrowsmithRW6’0″1812007-04-171st
Cohen BidgoodRW6’0″1852007-01-111st
Rene Van BommelLW5’11”1802006-05-142nd
Noah AboflanLW6’0″1922005-03-033rd
Brendan GerberLW5’9″1792007-02-241st
Noah ReadC6’0″1702007-01-061st
Henry BrzustewiczD6’1″1942007-02-091st
Noah JenkenD6’3″1602007-03-081st
Liam SpencerD6’4″2122006-01-192nd
PJ FaganD6’0″2052007-05-021st
Finn WilsonG6’1″1902006-01-032nd
Alexei MedvedevG6’1″1642007-09-101st
NIAGARA ICEDOGS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Jack BrautiD6’0″1652006-05-242nd
Callum CheynowskiD6’0″1972006-08-042nd
Alex AssadourianC5’10”1722005-07-243rd
Ethan CzataC6’1″1752007-05-291st
Mike LevinLW5’8″1582005-10-162nd
Blair ScottD6’2″1902005-04-143rd
Rafek DianovLW5’10”1752007-02-251st
Darcy DewachterD5’11”1832007-03-011st
Sean DohertyRW6’1″1822006-03-232nd
Matthew VirgilioD5’11”1962006-03-242nd
Mathieu ParisRW6’0″1822005-01-013rd
Masen WrayC6’4″1852006-05-152nd
Andrew WyciskD5’11”1702005-07-013rd
NORTH BAY BATTALION
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Wyatt KennedyD6’5″2022005-05-273rd
Declan GallivanD6’1″1942007-06-031st
Aaron EnrightD6’0″2112007-03-281st
Jacob TherrienRW5’8″1702006-02-082nd
Brayden TurleyD6’1″1952006-08-082nd
Dylan RichterC5’8″1852006-07-112nd
Inhat PaziiLW5’9″1562006-12-041st
Tyson RismondD6’2″1872006-03-302nd
Nolan LairdC6’1″1802006-01-042nd
Reyth SmithLW6’2″1732007-07-271st
Zach WilsonD6’6″1872007-03-071st
Stepan ChukharevRW6’2″1922007-02-281st
Ride BronsonD6’7″2122005-01-141st
Natan TeshomeLW6’0″1712006-06-092nd
Lirim AmidovskiRW6’1″1752006-12-221st
Mike McIvorG6’1″1742006-03-222nd
Charlie LarocqueG6’1″1612007-07-161st
OSHAWA GENERALS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Fraser McDonellD6’7″2172006-03-022nd
David BedkowskiD6’5″2152006-12-071st
Matthew BuckleyRW5’11”1872005-03-213rd
Harrison FranssenC6’3″1902006-05-062nd
Jonathon PylypuikLW6’0″1632006-03-252nd
Tyler O’TooleD6’1″2002006-06-282nd
Lucas RodriguezD6’2″1902006-04-262nd
Tyler GrahamLW5’11”1882006-08-102nd
David SvozilD6’2″1702006-03-072nd
Shawn CoselloC6’2″1802007-01-201st
Tristan DelisleC5’11”1722007-05-151st
Lauri SinivouriLW6’1″1782006-04-282nd
Caeden HeinsLW6’1″1762006-02-062nd
Ethan TomsC5’11”1802006-01-192nd
Zackary SandhuD6’2″2002005-12-202nd
Owen GriffinC5’10”1602007-04-081st
Isaac GravelleG5’11”1652007-01-181st
Noah BenderG6’4″1902006-06-302nd
OTTAWA 67’S
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Josh BradyD6’1″1852006-01-112nd
Kaleb DietschD6’3″1912007-01-031st
Bradley HornerRW6’0″1952005-06-163rd
Frankie MarrelliD5’11”1872006-02-162nd
Chris BarlasLW5’10”1822005-01-103rd
Nic WhiteheadC5’10”1592007-02-111st
Chase YanniLW5’11”1832007-01-081st
Jack DeverC5’10”1812005-09-053rd
Charlie HiltonLW6’5″2122006-09-152nd
Kimi KorblerRW5’11”1662006-09-251st
Zach HoubenLW6’5″2072007-02-011st
Caden KellyRW5’11”1972006-01-152nd
Filip EkbergC5’10”1662007-04-141st
Jaeden NelsonG6’1″2082007-04-111st
OWEN SOUND ATTACK
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Braedyn RogersD6’0″1802006-11-221st
Gabriel SmithD6’3″1982007-01-011st
Ben CormierC6’0″1722006-07-202nd
Max BleicherD5’10”1892007-02-141st
Easton MikusC6’0″1832007-06-191st
Jake CrawfordC6’3″1802007-05-051st
Declan WaddickLW5’9″1652005-01-243rd
James PetrovskiD6’3″1902005-08-123rd
Harry NansiRW6’3″1792007-09-101st
Antonio TersigniLW5’11”1722006-05-032nd
Matthew KoprowskiG6’3″1982007-02-051st
PETERBOROUGH PETES
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Thanasi MarentetteD6’0″2052007-01-301st
Martin MatejicekD6’2″2052005-08-053rd
Grayden StrohackD6’4″1982006-06-092nd
Brody PartridgeC5’11”1932006-09-142nd
Matthew JenkenD6’4″2022005-10-122nd
Quinton PageLW5’7″1722005-08-033rd
Carson CameronD6’2″1932007-06-271st
Joseph CadorinLW5’11”1802007-03-291st
Francis ParishRW5’8″1602007-03-061st
Caden TaylorLW6’2″1852007-03-311st
Nico AddyRW6’4″2072007-08-171st
Aiden YoungLW5’10”1802007-04-181st
Brennan FaulknerLW5’11”1762005-12-282nd
Braydon McCallumRW5’10”1852006-05-032nd
Easton RyeG6’0″1962006-10-281st
Zach BowenG6’2″1902005-04-253rd
Masen JohnstonG6’0″1862007-02-081st
SAGINAW SPIRIT
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Will BishopD6’6″2102005-03-173rd
Josh GlavinD6’2″2002006-09-241st
Graydon JonesD6’0″1652007-01-011st
Carson HarmerC5’10”1852007-01-131st
Sebastien GervaisLW6’1″1902005-04-113rd
Lincoln MooreRW6’2″2152005-09-212nd
Liam StorchRW5’10”1502006-01-202nd
Jacob CloutierRW5’10”1702007-03-221st
James GuoD6’1″1952005-04-023rd
Michael MisaC6’1″1852007-02-161st
Kristian EppersonLW6’0″1852006-05-162nd
Nic SimaRW6’3″1952005-03-213rd
Kaleb PapineauG6’2″1902006-01-252nd
Sami DiBlasiG6’4″1852007-01-131st
SARNIA STING
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Mitch YoungD6’2″1902005-04-293rd
Dylan LueckeRW6’2″1702007-02-221st
Jack BodinD6’2″2202006-07-032nd
Carson HallLW6’2″1902006-04-292nd
Easton WainwrightC5’10”1902005-01-193rd
J J FranceschettiLW5’9″1852005-07-233rd
James BarrD6’1″1822007-06-011st
Carter KostuchLW5’11”1652007-04-211st
Ruslan KarimovLW6’0″2002007-04-271st
Daylen MosesC6’2″1802005-06-133rd
Nathan OmeriD5’11”1752006-06-152nd
Kaeden JohnstonRW6’1″1752005-02-033rd
Casey BridgewaterD5’10”1752007-02-071st
Lane SimLW5’8″1602007-05-091st
Evan MailletG6’0″1722006-03-172nd
Karsen ChartierG6’3″1802006-01-012nd
SOO GREYHOUNDS
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Keegan GillenD5’10”1802007-04-241st
Brodie McConnell-BarkerD5’11”1852006-01-312nd
Tate VaderC5’11”1902006-01-092nd
Brady SmithLW5’11”1732007-04-121st
Travis HayesRW5’11”173207-4-121st
Spencer EvansD6’0″1892006-05-122nd
Brayden VelliarisD6’4″2202005-04-153rd
Sam BownessLW6’1″1942004-04-293rd
Erik MuxlowLW5’10”1832007-03-211st
David HolubD5’9″1802007-04-111st
Justin CloutierRW5’9″1862005-06-203rd
Marco MignosaRW5’11”1702005-04-133rd
Camerin CardonaRW5’11”1702006-01-012nd
Brady MartinC6’0″1742007-03-161st
Christopher BrownC5’11”1802006-01-272nd
Reid ThomasG6’2″1802007-06-071st
SUDBURY WOLVES
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Spencer HorganD5’11”1652005-03-173rd
Trevor O’DellD6’3″1722006-07-172nd
Nolan JacksonD6’1″1802007-01-021st
Gavin EwlesD6’1″1882005-03-013rd
Noah KohanLW5’10”1602005-08-083rd
Braydon BruceD6’5″2122006-05-112nd
Grant BoothLW5’9″1802007-01-031st
Daks KlinkhammerLW6’1″1862005-08-143rd
Tayjon StreetRW6’1″2052005-05-043rd
Hudson ChitaroniC5’10”1782007-08-221st
Lucas Di GiantommasoRW6’0″1782005-11-142nd
Nate KrawchukG6’2″1802005-07-043rd
Finn MarshallG6’1″1762006-01-132nd
Drew GaultonG6’3″2052006-04-072nd
WINDSOR SPITFIRES
PLAYERPOSHTWTDOBDRAFT
Joseph EichlerD6’0″1942005-12-142nd
Nathan GaymesRW5’11”1772006-02-032nd
Carson WoodallD5’11”1832006-05-252nd
Conor WaltonD6’5″1832006-04-222nd
Anthony CristoforoD6’0″1802006-02-232nd
Jack NesbittC6’4″1822007-01-121st
Ethan MartinLW6’6″2222005-03-253rd
Cole DavisLW5’10”1842006-06-222nd
Adrian ManzoD6’0″1832007-08-281st
Tanner WinegardD6’6″2262005-01-113rd
Owen OutwaterLW6’2″1872005-01-043rd
Carter FroggettG6’4″2152006-04-072nd
Joey CostanzoG6’1″1742005-07-263rd

London & Oshawa to be host cities for the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and its three Member Leagues are excited to announce the London Knights and the Oshawa Generals as the host clubs for the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada, which will be a two-game series between the CHL and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP). This new event is being added to the calendar starting this season and it will feature many of the best prospects set to be chosen at the 2025 NHL Draft.

The first game of this new event will take place on Tuesday, November 26 at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 27 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. Tickets for both games of the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge will be available to the public starting Tuesday, October 1 at 10 a.m. ET. By being a CHL Insider or registering to become one by Friday (September 20) at 10 a.m. ET, fans can be a part of an exclusive pre-sale and receive a special promotional code that will give them access to a select number of seats ahead of the public on-sale of each game.

Building off of one of hockey’s greatest rivalries between Canada and the United States, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL’s Member Leagues – Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – face-off against those from the U.S. National Under-18 Team in a two-game series.

“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.”

“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 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.”

The format of the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see teams earn two points for a win and zero points for a loss, regardless of whether a game ends in regulation, overtime, or a shootout. 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 either game is still tied after three players have shot for each team, the shootout will continue in a sudden-death fashion using different players until a team wins the game.

If after the completion of the second game of the series, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge has the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team tied at two points each, the teams will play a three-on-three 20-minute period(s) until a goal is scored to determine the winner of the series.

Set to be a part of the calendar over the next three seasons, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see players from the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team compete before hundreds of NHL scouts and thousands of fans in an effort to improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft. Players for the CHL team will be provided by NHL Central Scouting as selected by the NHL’s 32 clubs, and much like other national events in the CHL, the hosting duties of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will rotate between the CHL’s three Member League markets each year.

About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league with 51 Canadian and nine American teams participating in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) and U SPORTS than any other league. During the 2023-24 season, of the 1,000-plus players who played a game in the NHL, over 430 came through the CHL. At the 2024 NHL Draft, 88 CHL players were selected, including 14 in the first round.

About USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program
USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program is a two-year residency program for high-performance players that is located at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. The goal of the full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice. 

About Kubota Canada Ltd.
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota engineered and manufactured machinery and equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 200 Gross HP, performance-matched implements, compact construction, commercial turf and landscaping products, utility vehicles, and consumer lawn and garden equipment. KCL is also the Canadian distributor for Great Plains, Kverneland, and Land Pride products, all of which are also wholly owned subsidiaries of Kubota Corporation. For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Canada Ltd. at 1155 Kubota Drive, Pickering, Ontario, Canada L1X 0H4, 905 294-6535, or visit kubota.ca.