After Tuesday’s 6-1 blowout loss in Game 1, the USNTDP U18s came into Game 2 of the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, looking to bounce back. Even if they didn’t win, they at least hoped to compete harder. Mission accomplished on that front, and they have a performance they can be thankful for as they enter Thanksgiving. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent the CHL from completing the sweep with a late Cole Reschny goal for a 3-2 win on Wednesday in Oshawa.
It was a chippy, fast-paced contest with plenty of back-and-forth action, post-whistle scrums, and relentless effort on both sides. The Canadians capitalized on their aggressive forecheck, crisp passing, and timely goals to overwhelm the Americans, who were outshot 38-12. The Americans fell short despite improved physicality and moments of brilliance from Jack Murtagh and goaltender Harrison Boettiger making his case to go high in the 2026 draft.
The Good:
Jack Murtagh is a Stud:
The Boston University commit was the USA’s best player across both games and led the way again in Game 2. Murtagh showcased his elite skating, puck-handling, and offensive instincts, including a game-tying power-play goal with 10:42 left, a blistering one-timer. He nearly put USNTDP U18’s ahead late in the third, winning a puck race and putting a shot that sat agonizingly on the goal line before being squeezed by CHL goaltender Jack Ivankovic.
Improved Physicality and Compete Level from USA:
After being embarrassed in Game 1, the Americans responded with more bite, laying big hits and battling harder along the boards. Players like Captain Richard Gallant, William Belle, and Garret Lindberg set the tone, with Belle making critical blocks and Gallant forcing turnovers to create offensive chances. Cole McKinney tied the game at 1-1 in the first with a silky backhand-forehand move on a breakaway, thanks to a heads-up outlet pass from Drew Shock. Captain Richard Gallant, rebounded from a costly turnover with excellent puck-hunting and defensive plays, including a critical block on Matthew Schafer late in the game. Defenseman Maceo Phillips joined the fracas fray, while Lincoln Kuhehe displayed a strong stick in tight defensive situations.
CHL Stars Shine Bright:
Caleb Desnoyers opened the scoring 16 seconds into the contest, with a slick deflection off a Porter Martone shot. Later, Exceptional-status man Michael Misa dazzled again with his quick thinking and hands, redirecting a Desnoyers pass for a second-period power-play goal that gave CHL a 2-1 lead. Martone, Misa, and Caleb dominated as a line, with Martone displaying his tenacity and versatility, even challenging enforcer Landon Haffe to a fight. The trio proved why they’re poised to be top 10 picks in June. Defensively, Jackson Smith stood out again. He led Game 1 in rush stops and was back again, with an active stick that stifled USA’s zone entries.
Meanwhile, Cameron Schmidt proved that his size (5’7″) doesn’t limit his game, as he played hard in the corners, ripped shots, and created offensive opportunities with his blazing speed. Back from illness which sidelined him from the opener, Carter Bear immediately impacted with his nose for the net and relentless forechecking. Justin Carbonneau used his wheels to pressure the USNTDP U18’s defense, forcing turnovers and generating quality chances, including a setup for puck-pest Malcolm Spence late in regulation from behind the net.
Goaltending Masterclass:
USA’s Harrison Boettiger and CHL’s Jack Ivankovic delivered a classic netminding duel. Boettiger, was sensational, making 35 saves, including inner-slot stops on Spence, Cameron Reid, and Reschny. The herculean show is why he’s currently the top goaltending prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. Ivankovic wasn’t tested much, but was clutch in the third period, squeezing the pads to snuff Murtagh’s late breakaway, helping solidify his reputation as one of the top goaltenders in the upcoming draft pool. Hockey Canada has been seeking their next backstopper to loathe, and they may have two in Joshua Ravensburg, who was victorious in the London, Ontario and Ivankovic tonight.
The Bad:
Penalty Trouble Plagues USA Again:
The Americans lacked discipline, taking six penalties, including Gallant’s careless high-sticking double minor with 9:15 left in the third period, which gave CHL’s dangerous power play several many opportunities. Though the USA managed to kill off the double minor thanks to Garret Lindberg’s multiple blocks and Boettiger’s heroics, the gaffe derailed them a chance to build momentum just 1:27 after squaring the contest.
Forecheck Domination by CHL:
The CHL’s aggressive forecheck again suffocated the Americans, especially in the second period, where the Canadians outshot the USA 16-3. Caleb Desnoyers and Malcolm Spence constantly forced turnovers and kept pucks deep in the USNTDP U18’s zone. Despite an improved response, the Americans couldn’t capitalize on their few scoring chances. Ivankovic denied a crucial 2-on-1 opportunity with William Moore and Jacob Kvasnicka, and Moore missed on a shorthanded rush in the third.
The Ugly:
Visors vs. Cages:
The Canadians weren’t shy about chirping the Americans for wearing cages. As Misa lamented on the TSN broadcast: “Can’t get chippy with them because they have cages on.” CHL players visibly showed frustration when USA players complained about high contact throughout the series.
A Stick Over Trophy:
The most surprising moment came after the final horn when the elated CHL players, were handed a commemorative stick instead of the traditional trophy for their triumph. Even they were puzzled, But that still shouldn’t diminish their achievement. The CHL showed why it is the gold standard for junior hockey prospects. The USNTDP U18s fought despite the talent disparity, but their inability to match the Canadians forecheck and puck management doomed them. However, the inaugural iteration was a success. It was full of drama, passion, and high-level hockey. These two days in London, Ontario and Oshawa served as a valuable learning experience for both sides as they look toward the 2025 NHL Draft, where many of these players will hear themselves called in the opening round. Hopefully, this was the first of many series to come between the two rivals. Here’s to the 2026 challenge being even better.
