For the first time since its inception, the CHL–USA Prospects Challenge is heading to Quebec.

Quebec City and Chicoutimi have been selected to host the third edition of the two-game showcase, scheduled for December 1 and 2. After previous stops in Ontario and Western Canada, the time had come for Quebec to welcome the event.

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“It was our turn,” said Mario Cecchini, commissioner of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. “We wanted two outstanding markets, but also cities located close to one another. Obviously, we didn’t want players facing a five-hour bus ride between games.”

Game 1 will be played at the Georges-Vézina Centre in Chicoutimi on December 1 before the series shifts to Quebec City for Game 2 at the Vidéotron Centre the following night. The venue selections also reflect a desire to maximize accessibility for fans.

“We’re looking to reach as many people as possible. Larger arenas allow more fans to experience an event like this,” Cecchini added.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Since taking over as commissioner, Cecchini has frequently emphasized the importance of continuing to grow and strengthen junior hockey in Quebec. In his view, an event of this magnitude goes far beyond the games themselves.

“Anything that shines a spotlight on hockey and allows young players to dream can only be positive. An eight-year-old watching these players on the ice can’t help but imagine himself being there eight years later.”

Whether attending in person at the Vidéotron Centre or Georges-Vézina Centre — or watching the games on TV and stream — Cecchini believes the event carries strong unifying power for hockey fans across the province.

No Cause for Concern for the QMJHL

The projected limited representation of QMJHL players among early invitees — aside from Alexis Joseph — is not a concern for the league’s commissioner.

“We had an excellent draft last year, and on this year’s lists we have 44 players ranked A, B or C. We haven’t seen numbers like that in 11 or 12 years. That makes three consecutive years of growth.”

According to Cecchini, several league players still have ample time to earn their place before December.

“Players like Alexis Joseph and Malik L’Italien should certainly be targeted, and there’s still a lot of hockey left for others to play their way onto the roster,” he said.

A True Draft Measuring Stick

The CHL–USA Prospects Challenge has quickly become an important evaluation stage for NHL Draft-eligible prospects.

“All 40 players involved will be drafted,” Cecchini said. This year’s Quebec edition will also carry added competitive significance, as the annual series between the CHL and the United States currently stands tied. After a CHL victory in the inaugural event and an American win last year, December’s winner will take the lead in the ongoing rivalry.

“Since last Sunday, the competitive intensity of the Canada-U.S. rivalry has only continued to grow,” he added.

Moving forward, the event will follow a structured rotation, with each CHL league expected to host approximately once every four years. However, the host league will not be eligible to stage the Memorial Cup in the same year, ensuring balance among the CHL’s premier showcase events.

With Quebec now entering the rotation, the spotlight will shine not only on the next generation of elite prospects, but also on the continued role of junior hockey in Quebec within the North American development landscape.

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