For the United States National Development Program’s Under-18 Team, it was sweet revenge. For the Canadian Hockey League’s all-star team, it was a missed opportunity. Tuesday night’s opening game of the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge represented very different things for the two groups. The USNDP skated to a 4-2 victory over the CHL at the Scotiabank Saddledome in the first game of a two-game set showcasing 2026 NHL Draft eligible players.

On paper, the USNDP were a team with lower high-end skill, but with ample experience playing together – and motivation after watching their counterparts get swept by the CHL in this event last year. Meanwhile, the CHL featured several prospective first-rounders, but only a handful of players with much experience playing together.

On the ice, the game unfolded in the way many expected. The USNDP played a structured checking game and relied on pace and familiarity, while the CHL really got going in the second half of the game when individual players started to make plays. Ultimately, the USNDP’s team play was too much for the CHL to overcome.

The USNDP received goals from Dayne Beuker, Sammy Nelson, Wyatt Cullen and Jamie Glance. The CHL got goals from Soo defender Chase Reid and Spokane forward Mathis Preston.

Here are five players that stood out in Game 1.

The CHL’s netminder only faced 25 shots, but he faced a lot of high-quality looks. This was especially true in the first half of the game, where the CHL defenders were a bit leaky and scrambly in their half of the ice. Boettiger had to be sharp to keep the game close and give the CHL a chance to find their footing.

The CHL’s captain (and the son of longtime NHLer Manny Malhotra) was easily their most noticeable skater. He used his pace and physicality well and did a lot as he tried to spark his team. He made a nice deception play on Chase Reid’s goal, feinting a shot and then dishing to Reid instead. He was also 9-for-16 at the face-off dot.

The USDNP’s netminder was busy, facing 44 shots. While his CHL counterpart arguably faced more high-quality chances, Knowling was consistently sharp and did a great job swallowing up pucks and controlling rebounds. He was busy, but he never seemed scrambly or overwhelmed.

Matt Cullen’s son was a big highlight, playing on the Americans’ first line. He scored a goal, but he was also did a nice job playing with pace and making smart plays in all three zones.

Derek Plante’s son was a forechecking machine for the USNDP, and he was consistently noticeable using his size, speed and tenacity to pressure the CHL players into making poor decisions with the puck. He created a bunch of scoring chances, too.

The CHL and USNDP rematch on Wednesday night in Lethbridge. Game time is 6 p.m. MT on TSN.

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