Preston nets two points, U.S. NTDP stave off CHL comeback attempt to win Game 1 of the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge
Calgary, Alta.- A standout performance from netminder Brady Knowling and a perfect five-for-five penalty kill helped the U.S. National Team Development Program collect a 4-2 win over the CHL in Game 1 of the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
The decision marks the United States’ first-ever victory in the new-look top prospects showcase.
A-rated 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Mathis Preston (Spokane Chiefs / Penticton, B.C.) led the way for the CHL with a goal and an assist in the spirited tilt, while B-rated goaltender Harrison Boettiger (Kelowna Rockets / Wheat Ridge, Colorado) turned aside 22 of 25 shots.
He’s here and he’s on the score sheet! 🚨🍎#WHLTopPerformer | #CHLUSAProspectsChallenge | @spokanechiefs pic.twitter.com/zDq6uPXmFz
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) November 26, 2025
Knowling was named Player of the Game with a whopping 42 saves on 44 shots and .954 save percentage.
“I think they were more ready at the start,” CHL Head Coach and Medicine Hat Tigers General Manager and bench boss Willie Desjardins said. “I think they (U.S. NTDP) had a lot to prove from last year. I think they they were ready for it. I think we thought that maybe we could get away with it and just had to show up a little bit… They had lots of speed. They’ve got really good speed on that team. We didn’t give up many chances in the second and third. We didn’t give them much, but it was too late by then.”
Dayne Beuker hit paydirt for the visitors as he slapped a point-blank shot from the slot past a sprawling Boettiger.
Despite trailing 1-0 after the first period, the CHL outshot the U.S. NTDP 13-5.
Free Bird rang out again in the middle frame as Sammy Nelson swatted away at a rebound until he lifted it into the twine.
The CHL broke through late in the period after Preston sprung Captain Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL), who dropped the puck for a nifty Chase Reid (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds / OHL) wrister that beat Knowling blocker side.
Mathis Preston with a secondary apple on this play 🕺🍎@spokanechiefs I #CHLUSAProspectsChallenge I #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Kmrux1x8Sg
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) November 26, 2025
Boettiger also kept the CHL in the mix with a pair of dynamite stops – including a clear-cut breakaway attempt from Victor Plante in the dying seconds of the frame.
Harry keeping us in the game, one save at a time 😎@Kelowna_Rockets I #CHLUSAProspectsChallenge I #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Zy7ZYYji75
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) November 26, 2025
U.S. winger Wyatt Cullen restored the two-goal lead for his side with a third-period powerplay tally, but Preston breathed new life into the game with a timely strike.
The 5-foot-10, 177-pound winger showed off his speed as he cut to the centre of the ice and ripped a shot top shelf, with fellow potential first-rounder Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / Cypress River, Man.) providing the primary helper.
“He’s good,” Desjardins added of his 2025 WHL Championship Series opponent. “It was a big goal for us. Gave us a chance to get back in it. He’s quick, he’s explosive.”
PULL OUT YOUR CALCULATORS, THE MATH(IS) MATHING 🔢🚨🤩@spokanechiefs I #CHLUSAProspectsChallenge I #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/kMaiKycZRO
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) November 26, 2025
Despite nearly doubling their opponents in shots, the CHL was unable to find the equalizer and the U.S. erased all doubt with a Jamie Glance empty-netter.
The series now shifts to VisitLethbridge.com Arena, home of the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes, for Game 2 on Wednesday, November 26.
Should the hosts pick up their first win of the 2025 series, the CHL and USA will play three-on-three sudden-death overtime to determine the winner of the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
Puck drops at 6:00 p.m. MST, with TSN broadcasting the game for viewers in Canada, while those in the United States and around the world can stream the action for free on Victory+.
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