Calgary & Lethbridge to be host cities for the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge
Article content
Calgary and Lethbridge will the host cities for the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
Article content
The first game of the two-game series will take place on Tuesday, November 25 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 26 at VisitLethbridge.com Arena in Lethbridge.
Article content
Article content
First introduced in 2024, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge is a two-game series that sees the top NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL's Member Leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) compete against those from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team.
Article content
Article content
'We are thrilled to bring the CHL USA Prospects Challenge to Calgary and Lethbridge this November,' said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. 'These two passionate hockey communities will provide an exceptional backdrop to highlight the CHL's top prospects eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, giving fans in both of these markets the opportunity to see a premier best-on-best competition featuring the next generation of NHL talent. This event not only highlights elite competition but also strengthens the cross-border rivalry that makes this series so compelling for fans and scouts alike.'
Article content
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vancouver Sun
6 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks Development Camp: Aiden Celebrini using 2023 sixth-round draft selection as incentive
Aiden Celebrini has never had to look far for career advice, admiration and development. The Vancouver Canucks prospect defenceman, who will participate in his third development camp starting Monday at UBC, has benefited from a rich family sporting lineage. It includes younger brother, Macklin, who placed third in Calder Trophy voting this season as an emerging NHL star with the San Jose Sharks. There's also his sister, Charlie, who's travelling the world as a bright female prospect with Tennis Canada's junior program. And brother R.J. is making his hockey mark in the youth program across the U.S. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. For Aiden, 20, playing big brother in a household of self-starter siblings comes naturally because his father, Rick, the director of sports medicine and performance with the NBA Golden State Warriors, was also motivated. He played soccer professionally with the Vancouver 86ers. What Macklin accomplished this season is especially inspiring because his 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games don't tell the whole story. 'I'm so proud of him,' Aiden told Postmedia on Sunday. 'What he went through in his first year, he's already a true professional. To see how he goes about his business every day and how he approaches every game, that was a lot of pressure on him. First overall pick and he thrived on that and how he dealt with expectations and having that injury at the start of the year didn't help.' Celebrini has his own challenges as a sixth-round Canucks selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. You have to dial it back to 1995 to find a sixth-round Vancouver pick on defence who made an impact. Brent Sopel played 659 career games with six teams and also logged 71 playoff games. That total included 322 games with the Canucks and 42 in the post-season. And with the Canucks now having capable young blueliners and good prospect depth, that should only inspire rather than deter Celebrini to get his game to the next level. 'The way I see it, that only makes the team better and in years to come,' said Celebrini. 'I welcome that and obviously I've heard that since the day my name was called. I've heard the odds of a sixth-rounder making it. All I can say, is I don't see myself as a sixth-rounder anymore. I'm a Canucks prospect. Whether you're a first or sixth-rounder, you haven't proven anything yet. 'I'm just going to improve every single day and have no regrets when I get to that day of trying got make the (NHL) step.' The challenge for Celebrini now is to use his 6-foot-1, 195 pound frame as a foundation to defend, but also open other avenues to move the puck better and get more involved offensively. He had eight points (2-6) in 31 games this season. An explosive stride, especially the first four, are imperative for any defencemen to get up into the play quicker and defend better laterally. 'For me, it's always about constant improvement and a lot of late nights on the ice to take it the next level,' said Celebrini. 'The more mobile you are, the better defender you are with more efficiency and pace. It's only going to help your game on both sides of the puck.' Celebrini's strong sophomore season at Boston University concluded by advancing the the NCAA Frozen Four Final before losing 6-2 to Western Michigan. The tournament trail is a grind and just getting to the title game is an accomplishment. Celebrini showed growth by scoring the game winner against Ohio State in an 8-3 victory. That set up a 3-2 decision over Cornell to sweep the regional playdowns and get to the Frozen Four. 'That's why you go to programs like Boston University, to play in those games,' stressed Celebrini. 'The sting of coming home empty-handed always hurts, but we're going to have a similar group and we have a lot of hunger to get back and finish the job.' Our campers for the week! ⛺️ This development camp is a different role for Celebrini to show newcomers how to approach each session and make the right impression. 'My first couple of camps I was nervous,' recalled Celebrini. 'I just want to pass on top the young guys that this is a time to have fun. Great staff here and I actually look forward to it. It's compete and everything you love about hockey and you're wearing the Canucks jersey. 'Live it up to the fullest. We all have goals and desires, but the real great ones enjoy the process.' Alexei Medvedev, G, London Knights (OHL), 22-8-2, 2.79 GAA., .912 percentage, 2025 draft, 47th overall. Already has the size and composure on an athletic 6-foot-3 frame. Technical game has evolved for better puck tracking to read the game more precisely. Has become more efficient with crease movements. Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) 5-foot-11, 183 lbs., GP: 60, G: 26, A: 37, PTS: 63, 2025 draft, 15th overall. Captain and leader wants to be like Brayden Point. That would be something. A battler and grinder with sneaky scoring skills. Was also captain of Canada's Under-18 team at worlds. Future culture carrier. Wilson Bjorck, C, Djurgardens Jr. (Swe-J20), 6-foot, 165 lbs., GP: 43, G: 28, A: 39, PTS: 67, 2025 draft, 143rd overall. Strong family hockey lineage. Brother Viggo is a big 2026 draft prospect. Wilson is labelled a 'project' heading to Colorado College. Riley Patterson, C, Barrie Colts (OHL), 6-foot, 194 lbs., GP: 64, G: 25, A: 34, PTS: 59, 2024 draft, 125th overall. Two solid seasons depict a solid game without the 'wow' factor, but excels in 200-foot game that coaches really crave. Anthony Romani, RW, Barrie Colts (OHL), 6-foot-1, 190 lbs., GP: 29, G: 19, A: 11, PTS: 30, 2024 draft, 162nd overall. Lit it up in OHL post-season with 24 points (12-12) in 16 games and is jumping to the NCAA with the Michigan State Spartans. OVERTIME — UBC group camp session Monday at 1:30 p.m. On Tuesday, group session at 10 a.m. and small-area games at 11:10. On Thursday, group session at 10 a.m. and intrasquad game at 11:15 a.m. bkuzma@
Canada Standard
6 hours ago
- Canada Standard
Justin Bieber shares adorable pics of Baby Jack in Toronto Maple Leafs jersey
Washington [US], June 29 (ANI): Justin Bieber's little bundle of joy, son Jack Blues, who is just 10 months old, seems to be already following in his dad's hockey-loving footsteps! The 31-year-old singer posted several pictures from a lakeside family vacation with his wife Hailey Bieber and their 10-month-old. In the photos, little Jack is seen wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey jersey, a nod to Justin's favorite NHL team, reported People. Jack's jersey had the name of Auston Matthews, the team's captain. The proud dad posted various shots of Jack in the jersey, along with blue socks and baggy jeans. Justin, who now uses the Instagram handle @lilbieber, also shared a picture of Jack sitting in a field next to a soccer ball, suggesting that sports may become a big part of his life. In another photo, Jack is seen beside Hailey's hands, as the couple continues to keep their son's face off social media by only showing the back of his head. The two welcomed their son, Jack Blues Bieber, on August 23 of last year. The couple, who first tied the knot in a civil ceremony in 2018 before hosting a larger wedding celebration in 2019, have kept most details of their parenthood journey private. After his birth, a source told PEOPLE, 'The baby is such a miracle. He's adorable and doing well. The pregnancy was something that they very much wished and prayed for.' (ANI)
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jets set for free agency opening with questions to answer
The expectation is that the biggest splash has already been made by the Winnipeg Jets, but that doesn't mean the official opening of free agency on Tuesday will be entirely quiet either. With the services of Jonathan Toews already secured and the contract set to be filed on July 1, the Jets will be turning their attention to augmenting the roster. The biggest question left to answer is what will happen with pending UFA forward Nikolaj Ehlers, and while Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said last week that discussions will continue until he's either saying congratulations or thank you, the likelihood of the dynamic Dane remaining in the fold seems to be dwindling. The likelihood of the Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers plays staying with the team appears to be dwindling. (Matt Slocum / The Associated Press files) Should Ehlers depart in free agency, a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes seems to be the most likely destination — though there will be a lengthy line of suitors willing to offer a multiyear deal north of $8.5 million. If Ehlers moves on after a decade in the NHL, it leaves a gaping hole on a second line that could include Toews and Cole Perfetti. Brock Boeser is a name that makes a lot of sense, but can the Jets win a bidding war for his services given the competition that will be there for him as well? That remains to be seen. Then there's the matter of sniper Kyle Connor and captain Adam Lowry being eligible to sign contract extensions as of Tuesday. Is this something that gets taken care of quickly or might it take a bit more time? The expectation is that both deals get done before the season begins, as both Connor and Lowry appear interested in being lifetime Jets. It's not impossible that forwards Mason Appleton and Brandon Tanev could stick around, but most signs point to them finding new teams during the coming days — though both players enjoyed their time with the Jets. By extending defenceman Haydn Fleury, the Jets seem mostly set on the back end — other than getting a new deal done for pending restricted free agent Dylan Samberg. The Jets actually have a surplus of NHL D-men, so there could be a move coming with one of them to shore up for the forward group as well. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said last week that discussions with Nikolaj Ehlers will continue until he's either saying congratulations or thank you. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files) While the Jets look strong in goal with Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie at the NHL and prospects Thomas Milic and Dom DiVincentiis in the system, it wouldn't be surprising to see Winnipeg pursue a veteran to share the crease with them on the Manitoba Moose and serve as the No. 3 guy on the depth chart. Speaking of the Moose, after a tough season, signing a few quality depth players that could bounce between the NHL and AHL is likely on the to-do list as well in order to provide a bit more offensive talent and insulation for some of the top prospects. So while the Jets won't likely be shopping in the high-priced aisle that includes defenceman Aaron Ekblad or feisty forward Brad Marhand, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be sitting on the sidelines either come Tuesday. With that in mind, here's a look at some players that could be on the Jets' radar for some of the aforementioned vacancies: Position: Right wing Age: 28 2024-25 stats: 75 GP, 25 G, 25 A, 50 P, 3 GWG, 145 SOG, 18:10 TOI AAV last season: $6.65 million The skinny: The six-time 20-goal scorer will be in high demand, especially being just two years removed from posting career-highs in goals (40) and points (73). The 'down' season Boeser is coming off of still included 25 goals and 50 points — with nine goals and 20 points coming on the power play. The Jets have been watching Boeser since he played in Grand Forks at the University of North Dakota and he could help fill a hole up front. His 29 games of playoff experience would also be welcome for a team looking to take the next steps in the post-season. Position: Left wing Age: 29 2024-25 stats: 81 GP, 14 G, 14 A, 28 P, 3 GWG, 95 SOG, 13:02 TOI AAV last season: $5.8 million The skinny: A tenacious forechecker who goes to the hard areas that could supply secondary scoring and contribute to the second power play. The feisty forward has delivered 14 or more goals in six consecutive seasons, including a 35-goal, 55-point campaign with the Calgary Flames in 2021-22. He fit in well with the Washington Capitals last season and could do the same with the Jets. Position: Left/right wing Age: 30 on July 18 2024-25 stats: 56 GP, 15 G, 14 A, 29 P, 4 GWG, 109 SOG, 14:30 TOI AAV last season: $1.075 million The skinny: A strong skater with an excellent shot, Olofsson scored six times on the power play last season. Although he still needs to improve his play away from the puck, he took some steps with his two-way game under Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy. Olofsson might not get to market, but if he does, the Jets could be a fit, given the middle-six minutes that could be available. Position: Right wing Age: 29 on July 23 2024-25 stats: 67 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 P, 2 GWG, 66 SOG, 11:55 TOI AAV last season: $1 million The skinny: The numbers don't pop off the page, but the light bulb seemed to go on for the Finnish forward down the stretch and during the Stanley Cup playoffs, as the Edmonton Oilers pushed the Florida Panthers to six games in the final. Occasionally seeing time alongside Leon Draisaitl, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft showed off his speed and provided some secondary scoring (three goals, six points in 12 playoff games). The speedy right-handed winger was also used on the penalty kill. Position: Right wing Age: 30 2024-25 stats: 13 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P, 15 SOG, 1 GWG, 13:54 TOI AAV last season: $3.5 million The skinny: A knee injury forced the 6-foot-5, 234-pound winger to miss the majority of the season, but the Jets have been linked to the player in the past and there could be an opportunity for him to re-establish himself as a middle-six winger on a show-me contract. He's been a high-volume shooter for most of his career, eclipsing 100 shots on goal nine times, including registering 198 with the Detroit Red Wings in 2018-19. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
