The 2026 World U17 Hockey Challenge has come and gone, with this year’s tournament taking place in Oakville, Ontario. I was fortunate enough to attend the majority of games throughout the week, getting an extended look at several of the top draft-eligible prospects for the 2028 and 2029 NHL Drafts. With an opportunity to watch these players compete against some of the best talent in their age group, I came away with plenty of notes and observations on the next wave of NHL prospects.
The previous two tournaments saw Canada White vs Canada Red square off in the gold medal game. This year however, both Canada squads were defeated in the semis and faced off against each other in the bronze medal game. For the first time since 2023, the United States returned to the gold medal game, looking to capture their first tournament gold since 2022. That 2022 US team featured the likes of James Hagens and Cole Eiserman, who put together record-breaking performances. Hagens recorded 21 points in seven games, while Eiserman matched Alex Ovechkin's tournament record with 12 goals.
The US NTDP U17 defeated Canada White 5-2 in the semis to advance to the gold medal game while Czechia defeated Canada Red 4-3 in the other semi final to advance, setting up a gold medal final between Czechia and the US. The US defeated Czechia 3-0 in the final off a two goal performance from Carter Morris. The US defensive core was dominant throughout the tournament, they shut down Czechia’s offence and took away virtually everything through the middle of the ice. The chemistry built between players at the NTDP was a significant advantage from the outset. The Americans were especially dangerous off transition turnovers and off the cycle, consistently capitalizing on opponents' mistakes. Some of the players at this year’s tournament will meet again in International tournaments, next year the Hlinka-Gretzky then IIHF World U18’s the following spring.
The tournament All-Stars announced by Hockey Canada included:
Forward Kash Kwajah - Canada Red
Forward Maddox Schultz - Canada White
Forward Dominik Zelezny - Czechia
Defence Drew Daley - USA NTDP
Defence Adrian Sgro - Canada White
Goalie Mason Martin - USA
The following players were among those who stood out to me throughout the week and are names to keep an eye on heading into the 2028 and 2029 NHL Drafts. It’s important to note that my viewings were limited, with many of these players being first-time viewings for me. These observations are not intended to be definitive evaluations of their overall ability or formal scouting reports, but rather a collection of general impressions and takeaways based on what I saw throughout the tournament.
USA NTDP U-17
Forward #34 Joey Cullen - The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen and younger brother of Nashville prospect Wyatt Cullen, Joey is a dynamic offensive player who possesses elite puck skills. One scout compared his skill set to William Nylander, specifically pointing to the way Cullen controls the puck and draws a lot of similarities to Nylander at the same age. Cullen finished tied for the team lead in tournament scoring with seven points. At this time, Cullen is considered a top 5 pick in the 2028 draft.
Forward #33 Jack Trupiano - Trupiano possesses a pro-level shot, featuring a heavy release that makes him a dangerous scoring threat. He finished tied for the team lead in tournament goals with three and is among the best pure scorers in his age group. The US utilized him as a triggerman on their power play, taking advantage of his shooting ability. He currently leads the U17 NTDP in both goals and points, with 10 goals and 14 points.
Defence #43 Drew Daley - An elite two-way right-hand shot defenceman who continues to display the characteristics of a potential number-one defenceman. He logs heavy minutes for the NTDP, plays in all situations, and regularly matches up against opposing top lines. A reliable puck-moving defenceman, he plays with poise on retrievals and remains composed under pressure, making steady decisions with the puck.
Forward #46 Carter Morris - A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Morris spent the previous two seasons at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, where he put up impressive offensive numbers before joining the US NTDP. A dynamic skater with elite puck skills, he has the ability to beat defenders and create offence both as a goal scorer and playmaker. Morris has developed strong chemistry with Joey Cullen, and the two were particularly effective together throughout the tournament. He capped off the gold medal game against Czechia with two goals, including the game-winner, showcasing his shooting ability by picking the low glove-side corner from the strong-side faceoff dot twice.
Forward #49 Dean Stevens - High compete level, won a lot of important puck battles and eventually was rewarded with 3 goals in the tournament. He brought a physical element to his game when the offence was not being generated, showed a willingness to work in the dirty areas, and proved to be a versatile option for his coaches, capable of moving up and down the lineup as needed.
Defence #44 Brooks Suter, #53 Griffin Carver - While they did not produce the offensive numbers or highlight-reel plays like some of their teammates, they played a significant role during the knockout stages as the team's top shutdown pairing. The duo did an outstanding job protecting the front of the net, limiting second-chance opportunities and making it difficult for opposing forwards to generate offence.
Goalie #31 Mason Martin - A .929 SV% with a 2.68 GAA through 3 games to lead all goalies. Martin delivered a 44-save performance in the semifinal against Canada White before following it up with a 30-save shutout in the gold medal game. Martin does a good job controlling his rebounds, remained locked in throughout his appearances, and showed composure under pressure, never appearing rattled in key moments.
Czechia
Defence #6 Matyas Michalek - A steady presence on the Czechia blueline. A 6'3" left-shot defenceman with a good frame, he is a strong skater and reliable puck mover who logged heavy minutes while regularly being tasked with matching up against the opposition's top forwards. There is growing anticipation around his eventual move to North America, with the Oshawa Generals having selected him first overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Based on what I saw this week and his overall trajectory, Michalek has the potential to develop into a lottery pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
Forward #21 Dominik Zelezny - Led Czechia in both goals (4) and points (6) despite competing as an underager. A highly skilled winger, has the ability to create offence in very limited space, plays with creativity and deception in the offensive zone. I often had to remind myself that he was a year younger than the majority of the players on the ice, as he displayed a level of maturity beyond his age. He held his own physically throughout the tournament, although there were moments when the age and strength difference showed. With another year of development and added strength, that will not be a problem. Zelezny currently splits his time in Czechia between the U18 and U20 levels and will be eligible for the 2027 CHL Import Draft.
Forward #20 Matyas Cutta - Centered a line alongside Dominik Zelezny and finished second on the team in scoring with three points through four games. He plays with a high pace, strong motor, he has the tools to generate offence in multiple ways either through scoring or being a playmaker, and was an important part of Czechia's attack throughout the tournament.
Goalie #2 Matyas Novotny - Novotny started all four games for Czechia, finishing the tournament with a .919 SV% and 2.70 GAA, trailing only USA goaltender Mason Martin in both statistical categories. In a short tournament with a quick turnaround between games, the teams that find a way to elevate their play as the week progresses are often the ones that do the best, and strong goaltending is a major part of that equation. Novotny was outstanding in both the semifinal and gold medal game, turning aside more than 30 shots in each appearance. Although he was beaten early in the gold medal game, he remained composed, made several key saves to give his team a chance to battle back and stay in the game, despite being heavily outshot by the Americans.
Canada Red
Forward #8 Kash Kwajah - Kash led Canada Red in tournament goals with five and finished tied for the team lead in scoring with 10 points in five games. Incredibly skilled and deceptive with the puck, he possesses a strong wrist shot and showed the ability to create offence in multiple ways. Throughout the tournament, it felt like the different strengths of his game were beginning to come together, particularly his hockey IQ, speed, and skill. He consistently found himself in the right areas of the ice and was a major offensive catalyst for Canada Red.
Kash played a significant role in igniting Canada Red’s comeback against the US NTDP, recording two goals and two assists for four points. The highlight of the game was his viral, end-to-end rush splitting between the US defence in the third period. He was also a driving force in the semifinal against Czechia, sparking a third-period push with a timely goal and an assist to bring Canada Red within one. However, the comeback fell short as Czechia held on for a 4-3 victory.
Away from the puck, Kash was equally effective. He was highly engaged on the forecheck forcing turnovers, creating second-chance opportunities by keeping plays alive with an active stick, keeping his feet in moving, and using his body to win puck battles. His compete level was also evident defensively, as he laid out to block a shot late in a shift after Canada Red had been hemmed in their own zone. Those details added another layer to an already impressive offensive tournament.
Forward #23 Tanner Adams - A player many scouts and fans were anticipating watching, Tanner Adams possesses the physical frame and habits of a pro hockey player despite being just 16 years old. A strong, physical power forward, Adams brings a level of physical engagement that makes him difficult to play against. When his offensive game isn't clicking, his physicality becomes his B game, and it is an extremely effective one. Adams provided a major spark for Canada Red through his physical presence, delivering big open-ice hits, forcing turnovers, and bringing energy to his teammates.
Adams finished the tournament with three assists in three games, including a primary assist on the eventual game-winning goal against the US, setting up the play with a well-timed tip pass. Unfortunately, his tournament was cut short after suffering a shoulder injury. Adams is expected to undergo shoulder surgery and miss the remainder of the regular season, with the injury reportedly stemming from an issue he had been dealing with earlier in the year.
Forward #13 Liam Pue - Coming off an impressive performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament over the summer and a hot start to his WHL season, I had high expectations heading into my first live viewing of Pue. While he got on the scoresheet early in the tournament, his overall play left something to be desired. He struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, missed the net on several shots, and didn't quite look like the player I expected to see. Throughout the preliminary round, Pue was not establishing himself as the dominant offensive driver or look like the clear-cut number-one option for Canada Red. Given his talent and the expectations surrounding him, I was hoping to see him have a greater impact on games.
As the cliché goes, players are often remembered for how they perform in the biggest moments, and Pue certainly elevated his game as the pressure and intensity increased. Ironically, the only game I wasn't able to attend in person turned out to be his best performance of the tournament. In the semifinal against Czechia, Pue was directly responsible for all three Canada Red goals, recording a goal and two primary assists to lead their comeback effort. It was a significant response after a relatively quiet preliminary round and a reminder of the offensive impact he can have when he's at his best.
As mentioned in my introduction, my viewings throughout the tournament were a relatively small sample size, with this being my first opportunity to watch many of these players in person. Despite some of my observations, I still believe Pue has all the tools and potential to develop into a terrific hockey player. His semifinal performance was a reminder of the talent and offensive impact he is capable of bringing to the ice.
Goalie #29 Owen Loftus - Led all goaltenders in the tournament in both shots faced and saves, finishing with a .908 SV% through four games. He came up with several key saves throughout the week, and watching him, it is easy to see the potential and understand why the North Bay Battalion selected him in the first round of the OHL Draft. Loftus has the tools to develop into one of the top draft-eligible goaltenders in the CHL heading into next season.
Canada White
Forward #19 Maddox Schultz - The captain of Canada White, a returning player at the tournament, and arguably the most anticipated name heading into the week. He entered the tournament with plenty of buzz surrounding him and high expectations to match. When I asked others who had seen Schultz play live what I should expect, the responses were consistent: “the hype is real” and “you’re in for a treat.” Schultz certainly lived up to the expectations, finishing the tournament with six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in five games. His performance also pushed him to the top of the all-time tournament scoring list, setting a new record with 26 career points, surpassing James Hagens' previous mark of 21. It is worth noting Schultz played in the tournament twice while Hagens played in just one year.
Schultz was the ultimate play driver for Canada White, using his combination of skill, skating, and compete level to take over games. Beyond the offensive production, he was dominant on both sides of the puck and played in every situation. He was trusted to kill penalties, take important faceoffs, and handle matchups against the opposition's top forwards and defensive pairings. On the power play, he served as the triggerman on the top unit, while at even strength, he consistently found ways to generate offence off both the rush and the cycle. Schultz will undoubtedly be considered to be the top pick in next year’s draft but it will be interesting to see where scouts will feel his ceiling in the NHL could be.
Defence #2 Adrian Sgro - Sgro carried a significant share of the responsibilities on Canada White's top defensive pairing throughout the tournament. A strong, physical, hard-nosed defenceman, he brought a punishing element to his game, delivering several heavy hits and making life difficult for opponents trying to get to the front of the net. He also contributed offensively, scoring two of his three goals while quarterbacking the top power play and adding seven assists for a total of 10 points throughout the tournament. Sgro put together a very strong tournament, taking full advantage of the increased opportunities he received in different situations. It will be interesting to see if this experience could provide a valuable confidence boost, and if he could translate what he learned back to the OHL. With his physical frame and compete level, Sgro will be an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.
Forward #14 Jace Voortman - For a third-round pick in the OHL Priority Selection to earn a spot on an OHL roster in his first season is impressive in itself. To then earn a place on a national team roster for a best-on-best tournament, competing for roster spots against first- and second-round picks from across the CHL, speaks volumes about his character, work ethic, and the trust from his coaches. Voortman was not simply filling a bottom-six role or serving as a 13th forward; he earned top-six minutes and finished tied for third on his team in tournament scoring with nine points. He contributed two power-play goals while also playing a key role on Canada White's penalty kill, showcasing his value in all situations.
One of his most memorable moments came late in the quarterfinal against Finland. With the Finns pushing to find an equalizer on a 5-on-3 power play, Voortman unintentionally got his stick in the way of a one-timer destined for an open net, preventing what looked like a sure goal. His efforts were quickly rewarded, as moments later he helped set up Maddox Schultz to extend Canada White's lead to two goals and ultimately seal the victory.
Forward #9 Kane Cloutier - Having watched Kane dominate in the GTHL over the past two years and emerge as one of the top players in his age group in Ontario, I was eager to see how he would measure up against the best of his age group in a best-on-best setting. Having Maddox Schultz as the team’s number one center meant Kane Cloutier would be penciled in as the number two center, an excellent option to have as a one-two punch down the middle. Cloutier embraced the role, showcasing his elite skating, offensive ability, and willingness to play a physical game. In matchups against Sweden and Finland, his high hockey IQ and compete level stood out, particularly in his ability to win inside positioning against defenders, get to the front of the net, and finish in tight.
One detail that stood out to me was how Cloutier responded after making a mistake. Whether it was a turnover or lazy penalty, he consistently seemed to make a concerted effort to make up for it on his next shift. He would respond by forcing a turnover, drawing a penalty, or getting involved in an offensive play. He never appeared to overcompensate or force the issue, but that immediate response and accountability is a pro habit that was noticeable throughout the tournament.
Forward #21 Madden Daneault - The lone Canadian underager in the tournament, Daneault finished tied for third on the team in scoring with three goals and six assists for nine points in five games. Interestingly, Maddox Schultz recorded the same nine-point total as an underager at last year's tournament. Daneault quickly developed chemistry with his linemates, Schultz and Jacob McKinnon, forming a dominant offensive trio. A highly skilled playmaker, Daneault combines excellent vision with a high compete level, allowing him to create offence while remaining engaged in all areas of the ice. Daneault looks destined to be the next top star for Canada in the future.
Sweden
Forward #15 Isak Alvudd - Led Sweden in goals (3) and points (5) in the tournament. Alvudd was engaged, won important puck battles, capitalized on turnovers to generate offence. Alvudd had a nice release to his shot. He is a name to watch from Sweden.
Forward #24 Wilson Boumedienne - The younger brother of Sascha Boumedienne, a Winnipeg Jets prospect, Wilson Boumedienne finished the tournament with one goal and three assists for four points. Boumedienne excels when playing with pace, using his relentless motor and explosive stride to create separation and generate offence. He combines his speed with strong playmaking ability, making him a dangerous offensive threat. Boumedienne led Sweden in assists and found success alongside Isak Alvudd, forming an effective offensive pairing. He is currently carrying that production over to the USHL, averaging just under a point per game with the Fargo Force.
Forward #23 Melker Wersäll - A player who caught my eye with his overall skating ability, hockey sense, and knack for creating quality scoring opportunities. He finished the tournament with one goal and two assists for three points, but his impact extended beyond the scoresheet.
Defence #7 Pelle Ytfeldt - He played on Sweden's top defensive pairing, showcased smooth skating, confidence with the puck, and the ability to log heavy minutes. A dependable top-pairing defenceman, he looked comfortable in all situations and was a reliable presence on the Swedish blueline throughout the tournament.
Finland
Forward #23 Liius Nurmi - Nurmi was a bright spot for Finland in what was otherwise a difficult tournament for the team. His play improved as the tournament went on, and he finished tied for the team lead in scoring with two goals and three assists for five points. One detail that stood out to me was Nurmi's performance in the fifth-place game against Sweden. Finding the motivation to compete and represent your country in a consolation game, something no player enters a tournament expecting to play in, is not always easy. Add in the fact that it came against Finland's biggest rival, Sweden, and Nurmi's effort spoke to his pride in representing his country, his commitment to his team, and his competitive character. It may not significantly change my overall evaluation of him as a player, but it was an important detail that stood out to me throughout the tournament.
Forward #29 Hannu Packalen - Packalen finished the tournament with two goals and three assists for five points, tying Liius Nurmi for the team lead in scoring. He got off to a strong start, recording a three-point performance in Finland's 5-1 victory over Canada Red in their tournament opener.