The maiden opener of the CHL-USA prospects challenge wasn’t just a loss for Team USA, it was a lesson. The CHL’s 6-1 beatdown on Tuesday night in London, Ontario was as decisive as the scoreline suggests, with Canadian Hockey League’s top prospects putting on a masterclass in every aspect of the game, taking the USNTDP 18’s to school. Yes, you still saw about half of the prospects who will go in the first round of the 2025 NHL draft on the same ice, but this was a romp. The series finale is Wednesday in Oshawa, where a similar beatdown wouldn’t surprise anyone. But, let’s dive into the Game 1 action with a closer look at the good, bad, and downright ugly.
The Good:
Matthew Schaefer (CHL) A Star Among Stars:
If one player defined this game, it’s Matthew Schaefer. From the opening faceoff, the Brampton Steelheads defenseman (OHL) dominated in all three zones, showing why he’s a lock for a top-3 pick—if not No. 1. His ability to block shots without a stick, shut down offensive threats, and capitalize on scoring opportunities was unmatched. His highlight came when he went coast-coast, showing off his deceptive speed, edge work, and relentless puck pursuit by jamming home the rebound to make it 4-0 in the second period. It was one of the best performances of his career and a reminder of why he’s a generational talent.
Lynden Lakovic (CHL): Breakaway Brilliance
Lakovic set the tone early with a breakaway tally just 5:44 into the first period for the first goal in this challenge’s history. CHL Goaltender Joshua Ravensburg stopped a Jackson Smith breakaway for the USA, then Calgary Hitmen winger Ben Kindel sent an outlet to the Moose Jaw Warrior, as the two WHL studs connected to start the scoring.
Lakovic slipped past the American defense and rifled a shot off the post and in past netminder Patrik Quinlan. Yet it wasn’t just his goal that made him standout. Lakovic dazzled with his finesse in tight spaces, pickpocketing defenders, and creating plays that kept the USNTDP 18’s on their heels all night.
Draft-Caliber Talent on Full Display:
There were no shortage of talented prospects on both sides. For the CHL, Vancouver Giants (WHL) Cameron Schmidt and OHL’s Soo Greyhounds star Brady Martin added goals, with Erie Otters (OHL) forward Malcolm Spence and Barrie Colts defenseman (OHL) Kashawn Aitcheson capping off the scoring. The man who should’ve received a point but didn’t was Porter Martone. The Brampton Steelhead (OHL) and projected second overall pick was chippy, helped kill five penalties, and generated quality looks on the man- advantage. He has the speed, size (6”2), and abilities of a future NHL playmaker. Martone and Misa’s other linemate, Moncton Wildcats forward (QMJHL) Caleb Desnoyers, was the quietest of the three. Yet, he still did the little things like backchecking, forechecking, and helping create movement away from the puck, allowing his teammates to shine. There was also Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) and American defenseman Blake Fiddler, who didn’t give his compatriots much to work with.
As for the USA, there were some positives in the lopsided loss. Notre Dame commit and goaltender Patrick Quinlan made some stellar saves early, and Boston University commit Jack Murtagh’s late power-play goal from William Moore (Boston College) and Cole McKinney (Michigan) kept them from being shutout. The trio were buzzing all evening, mainly Murtagh who had couple breakaway chances, and were rewarded with points in the end. Getting one is better than none.
The Bad:
Team USA’s Defensive Breakdowns:
The second period was where it all unraveled for the Americans. The CHL scored three times in the first six minutes. Schmidt scored from Schafer off the rush, Martin took advantage of a home ice carom in front of Quinlan, who went to play the puck, and Schafer went end-end on the power play.
The Canadians poured it on in the third, as Armada BLB’s Justin Carbonneau (QMJHL), who did all the dirty work along the boards for the CHL in this one, found “Exceptional Status” man and reigning Memorial Cup Winner, Saginaw Spirit Star (OHL) and projected No. 3 overall selection Michael Misa, who’s power play one-timer hit the post. But, workhorse and Otter Malcolm Spence slipped the puck home on the doorstep to make it 5-0 before Aitcheson rang the back bar from the point off a feed from Brantford Bulldog blueliner (OHL) Jake O Brian to complete the touchdown.
For the Americans, constant turnovers in the defensive zone, poor gap control, and an inability to match the CHL’s speed and physicality were evident. The Americans were overwhelmed and the 23-15 slot shot attempts in favor of the Canadians says all you need to know about how this one went.
Team USA’s Missed Opportunities:
While Team USA generated a few quality chances, including a, there weren’t enough to test Prince George Cougar (WHL) Joshua Ravensbergen, who had 15 saves in the CHL win, including 5 in the slot and 7 off the rush.
Team USA’s Lack of Depth:
It’s a notably weak year for the NTDP, so they had this humbling experience coming. For every spark like Murtagh, Moore, Minnesota University-bound defenseman Maceo Phillips, or even BU commits Conrad Fondrik and Charlie Trethewey, who had solid all-around performances, several players struggled to make an impact. Future Minnesota Gopher Jacob Kvasnicka, Boston College acquisition Jake Stuart, and Arizona State signing Ben Kevan were given little room to breathe. Defenseman and Harvard bound Donato Bracco and Forwards like North Dakota’s Andrew O Neil, Notre Dame’s William Belle, and ASU’s Landon Haffe had their moments. However, it wasn’t sustainable efforts to match the high-octane CHL squad.
The Ugly:
A Lopsided Affair:
You’d prefer close games as neutral fans and scouts, so the first iteration of this challenge was a bust. Many thought the USA’s chemistry advantage by playing together for the last two years could offset the talent disparity, but it was quickly apparent that wouldn’t matter. From the physical dominance to the scoreboard, the CHL controlled every aspect. Some credit should be given to Kelowna Rockets head coach Kris Mallette, who waisted his no time using his experience from pioneering Hockey Canada to three consecutive Helinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medals from 2022-24 and reuniting his former International players quickly. The USNTDP 18’s struggled to create space, win puck battles, or sustain offensive pressure.
The CHL’s suffocating forecheck and relentless physical play made life miserable for Team USA. Every time the Americans tried to generate momentum, the CHL was there to shut it down. The disparity in puck control and physicality was glaring and hard to watch.
For the CHL, this was a statement game. Spence said on the TSN broadcast the mission was to prove the Canadian Hockey League is better than the Unites States Hockey League, and that was accomplished on Tuesday. If this game is any indication, the future of hockey is brighter on the northern side of the border.
There’s Always Tomorrow:
The USA needs to regroup quickly and find a way to match the CHL’s intensity to avoid another one-sided drubbing. Even if they don’t win and force the tiebreaking 3 on 3 overtime period Wednesday night in Oshawa, the USNTDP 18’s should want a performance they can be thankful for as American Thanksgiving follows on Thursday. For now, the CHL reigns supreme.
