U.S. tops Team CHL in Prospects Challenge overtime finale

Team CHL and the U.S. National Team Development Program met for Game 2 of the Prospects Challenge. Team CHL won the game, but lost the challenge.

Team CHL and the United States National Team Development Program met for Game 2 of the Prospects Challenge in Lethbridge on Wednesday.

Team CHL won the game to tie the series.

The U.S. won in overtime to settle the challenge, with Victor Plante scoring the winning goal.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Team CHL.

“Our group was talking about a lot last night, contemplating what we wanted out of us today, and (we’re) really proud of ourselves—of how hard we battled back, even being down in the game,” said Caleb Malhotra, Team CHL captain and Brantford Bulldogs forward.

“I’m really proud of every guy in there.”

After dropping Game 1 in Calgary 4-2, Team CHL forced the decisive overtime with a 4-3 win in Game 2.

Team CHL had minimal time to practice as a group.

The coaching staff felt they were more cohesive in Game 2.

“It is hard, structure-wise. The U.S. was really fast. … They put lots of pressure on us, so they deserved it,” said Willie Desjardins, Team CHL and Medicine Hat Tigers head coach.

“But it is a challenge when you come together right away, just to get that structure in place.”

Perhaps bigger than the game was the chance to impress scouts from all 32 NHL teams.

“I think I was pretty good,” said Liam Ruck, Team CHL and Medicine Hat Tigers forward.

“Obviously didn’t get on the scoresheet a whole lot, but I think I was able to play a pretty solid game.”

Even with the loss, it was still a memorable event for all involved.

“Not too many guys get this opportunity, so I’m very grateful for that,” said Daxon Rudolph, Team CHL and Prince Albert Raiders defenceman.

“The event itself was awesome. Not the result we wanted, obviously, but I thought we battled hard and played well today.”