2024 NHL Draft: Top performers from the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Steven Ellis
Steven Ellis
David St. Louis/CHL
Credit: David St. Louis/CHL

It wasn’t the usual high-scoring affair that we’re used to, but the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game was as close as you’ll get in a showcase game like this.

In the end, Team Red edged Team White by a score of 3-1, with Ben Danford and Raoul Boilard scoring the goals for the winning squad. Liam Greentree opened the scoring at 21:52, but White couldn’t capitalize on the chances in the latter stages of the game, with Boilard’s empty-netter putting a bow on things.

This event is always a highlight on the scouting calendar, featuring the best the Canadian Hockey League has to offer. There was some decent players missing do to injury, such as forward Cayden Lindstrom, but a large number of the participants make up the most recent draft rankings at Daily Faceoff.

Here’s a look at the top standouts for both teams on Wednesday evening at the Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick:

Team Red

#31 Ryerson Leenders, G (Mississauga Steelheads)/#30 Lukas Matecha, G (Tri-City Americans): Leenders made 19 saves in the first half, with the lone goal of the game coming on a great shot from Greentree. Leenders made a big stop on Berkly Catton on the best scoring chance of the early part of the game. He was lights out early in the second, showing his flexibility and athleticism to hold the fort in what’s typically a difficult game for goaltenders. Matecha took over in the second half and was just as good, starting with a huge glove stop on Berkly Catton early. He was rock-solid in the final stages of the game as White kept pouring on the action, finishing the game as the lone goalie to have a perfect game.

#27 Raoul Boilard, C (Baie-Comeau Drakkar): Boilard brought energy and pace to every shift, driving the team’s second line today with a three-point effort. I like guys that fight for every opportunity on the ice they have and I felt like he was never just trailing the action. He had two goals and an assist, largely due to how hard he worked every shift.

#77 Ben Danford, D (Oshawa Generals): Danford entered the game with just one goal, but I felt like he looked free and comfortable to do much more with the puck. He had a few good setups, but he had a good read to see Roberts skating in for the pass and got himself into a scoring position today. I’ve seen Danford play both sides on the blueline this year but I think he’s going something going on the left side – it fits his shot better.

#6 Colton Roberts, D (Vancouver Giants): I haven’t seen much of Roberts this year, but I thought he had an excellent game today. On the first Red goal, he could have easily rushed the net and taken a shot himself, but he looked up, saw Danford pushing in and created the first goal. Roberts then set up the second Red goal after his shot was originally stopped by Dawson Cowan, only for Bouilard to rush in and poke it in. Roberts plays a good heads-up game and that vision will get him noticed.

#29 Cole Beaudoin, RW (Barrie Colts): Beaudoin didn’t score, but I felt like he had a nice, well-rounded game. He’s got the size to power through players, and his work ethic and boundless energy allowed him to win battles throughout the game. Defensively, I think Beaudoin has a lot going for him.

#3 Sam Dickinson, D (London Knights): I’ve seen Dickinson play better games, but he showcased everything we know he’s capable of. His puck-movement, mobility, and heads-up decisions are why he’s been one of the most productive defensemen in the CHL the past two months. He thinks the game at a higher level than most in his age group.

Team White

#17 Tij Iginla, LW (Kelowna Rockets): Iginla’s huge season drew tons of attention to the game and he looked like he was shot out of a rocket early on. He had three early looks in his first three shifts of the game and showed that despite being 5-foot-11, he’s built like a machine. Just about every scout I talked to considered him to be the best player today, and it’s so easy to get into the hype. Craig Button called Iginla a “Swiss Army Knife” on the broadcast, and there’s no better way to describe him.

#45 Beckett Sennecke, RW (Oshawa Generals): While Sennecke’s offensive totals aren’t anything to lose your mind over this year, I thought he was one of White’s better players. He had some good plays at both ends before eventually setting up Greentree for the 1-0 goal, but it was how he kept the play active with quick footwork in the defensive zone that made that happen.

#66 Liam Greentree, LW (Windsor Spitfires): Everything about Greetree’s game is mature. His frame, the way he uses it, the way he makes plays. He looks like someone with a lot more experience than you’d get from a second-year OHLer. You see it in the way he dominates, often finding himself in the right spot at the right time for scoring chances, and that’s what led to the first goal. He nearly scored on a nice chip play late in the second period but got robbed by Lukas Matecha. Otherwise, it was a great showing there.

#26 Carter Yakemchuk, D (Calgary Hitmen): Yakemchuk is known more for his offense than his defense, but he showed a ton of skill with the puck and got himself out of trouble with smart, effective movements under pressure. Defensively, though, I thought he handled Red’s best attackers and showed a bit of physicality, too. For a 6-foot-2 forward, he can dangle.

#27 Berkly Catton, C (Spokane Chiefs): Catton wasn’t rewarded on the scoresheet, but he’s so creative and dangerous with the puck. He probably could have had 2-3 if it wasn’t for how well Red’s goaltending performed today. Catton is as gifted as it gets out there with the puck.

#13 Tomas Lavoie, D (Cape Breton Eagles): Between the blocked shots and the poke checks, I thought Lavoie looked strong today. He anchored one of the power play units and I thought his vision was good. He has excellent size at 6-foot-3 and moves well for his size, too.

#33 Luke Misa, C (Mississauga Steelheads): The fourth line wasn’t very noticeable for White, but Misa had some good plays at both ends. He’s a smart forward who brings speed to the table, but it felt like the plays kept dying on his line. I’m lower than him than others, but he does a good job of bringing energy.

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