The CHL USA Prospects challenge is just around the corner, with games set for Nov. 25 and 26 in Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta. Top NHL Draft prospects from the CHL will take on the U.S. National Under-18 Team in a series of games in the second annual event.

• Watch the OHL and QMJHL all season long with a subscription to FloHockey
• Ethan Belchetz's Draft Stock Soaring
• Team CHL Roster Revealed For CHL USA Prospects Challenge

In looking at Team CHL’s roster, there is talent throughout, but there are a lot of exciting players to talk about up front. In preparation for the exciting NHL Draft evaluation event, I’m taking a look at each of the players participating, starting with Team CHL’s forwards.

Team CHL Forwards Breakdown

Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires

He entered the season as one of the top prospects out of the OHL and very well may be No. 1 at this point. Belchetz has been a goal-scoring machine with 16 on the season so far. It seems like any time Windsor needs someone to step up, Belchetz finds a way. On top of that, he’s 6-foot-5, 225-pound freight train on skates, which has left NHL scouts excited about the possibilities of him being a true NHL power forward.

Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts

Size and upside are two key components of Dagenais’ rising draft stock. The big center has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but has not necessarily dominated when it comes to putting up points. He does have 16 points in 20 games, was a standout at the QMJHL Prospects Game and has that 6-foot-4 frame NHL teams will covet. He was a B-rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting, but there’s a lot of raw potential that could be mined.

Alessandro Di Iorio, C, Sarnia Sting

After sitting out the first two months of the season, Di Iorio returned with aplomb. “Dio” has five points in his first four games, scoring twice in his season debut, including an OT game-winner. A solid two-way center with skill, Di Iorio is getting a chance to showcase himself now that he’s healthy. This should be a great setting to see where he’s at relative to his peers after missing some time.

Beckham Edwards, C/W, Sarnia Sting

Sarnia has struggled as a team this season, but Edwards has largely been a bright spot. He has 19 points through 21 games and has shown some renewed confidence on the puck. Edwards still has plenty to prove as the season progresses. The Sting just made a coaching change and we’ll see if that sparks the team for a stronger second half.

Chase Harrington, W, Spokane Chiefs

Harrington has 14 points in 20 games so far this season with Spokane. His numbers have dipped a little bit, but so has everyone’s in the absence of Berkly Catton and Andrew Cristall, allowing more teams to key in on top players like Harrington. He has good-enough size and strength to challenge defenders and looks like he could be an early Day 2 pick.

J.P. Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops Blazers

Currently the top scorer in the WHL, Hurlbert has been an offensive machine in his first season in the CHL. After leaving the NTDP a year early, he will be playing against his former team and has found the offense a lot easier to come by in his new setting. Hurlbert has good skill, a high-end shot and has made defenders miss. He’s gone from a fringe first-round option going into the season into more looking like a sure thing to go within the first 32 picks.

Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw Spirit

The top scorer in the OHL among draft-eligible players, Klepov has been a handful for defenders in his first CHL season. After coming over from the USHL, Klepov actually already has surpassed his point total from all of last season in just 22 games with 32 points scored. He has excellent hands, good one-on-one skills and a remarkably quick release.

Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford Bulldogs

Malhotra was chosen as the captain for Team CHL and will be a top center for the club on top of that. He has fit right in with Brantford’s super team, putting up 25 points in 21 games while playing a responsible overall game. He is one point off of his season total from the BCHL last season and has seemingly gotten better with each passing game. The son of former NHLer Manny Malhotra, Caleb looks poised to make a name for himself in the big leagues.

Adam Novotný, C/W, Peteborough Petes

After a somewhat slow start, Novotný has become a point-per-game player in Peterborough and looks to be settling in nicely. He has good size, skill and can get to the interior to create offense. Likely heading to the World Juniors for his second trip in a few weeks, he has been one of the best imports in the CHL to date this season.

Mathis Preston, C/W, Spokane Chiefs

A dynamically skilled forward, Preston has had some ups and downs to start the season. He is just shy of a point per game as Spokane has adjusted to life without some of its biggest stars from a season ago. Preston has always been an offensive standout and one has to think that a breakout is coming. This event could be a springboard for him.

Ryan Roobroeck, LW, Niagara Ice Dogs

Expectations were so high for Roobroeck coming into the season that it was always going to be difficult to live up to them. Despite a slow-ish start to the season, Roobroeck has found his footing and is starting to surge. He has 21 points in 21 games and his goal totals are creeping up as he’s starting to near the pace that saw him score 41 last season. He’s among the top NHL Draft prospects in this game for a reason and those reasons haven’t really changed. He can make another statement during this series of games.

Liam Ruck, LW, Medicinte Hat Tigers

Chosen as an injury replacement for Brooks Rogowski, who will be unable to participate, Ruck adds another nice moment to his strong draft campaign. Alongside twin brother Markus Ruck, Liam has been averaging close to a point per game for the new-lookTigers. He's just a few points shy of Markus's team-best 27 points with 24. Liam has plenty of skill, some additional tenacity and a good scoring sense. He will bring some energy to the lineup for sure.

Egor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres

Currently third in the QMJHL in scoring, Shilov has been one of the biggest offseason additions for any CHL team. The Russian forward has 31 points in 21 games, showcasing high-end playmaking ability, tremendous patience and excellent vision as hallmarks of his offensive game. NHL scouts have wanted to see him get more active between the faceoff dots and in the hard areas, but his offensive sense is a real separator for him.

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