The CHL Prospects earned an impressive 6-1 victory over the USNTDP in London last night. It was clear from the start that the CHL players played a much heavier game, which was most evident on the forecheck and in loose puck battles. In fact, the only player for the Americans who was able to generate any offensive consistency was forward Jack Murtagh. A B-rated prospect (consistent with this rating, he was ranked #41 by TSN’s Craig Button recently), he had the size and strength to get to the net and challenge CHL defenders along the way. It was no fluke he scored the lone goal for the Americans, although the contest had long been over by that point.
The CHL Prospects, on the other hand, had impressive performances up and down their lineup. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer (OHL Erie) earned player of the game honors, showcasing his speed and skill with an end to end power play rush for the CHL’s fourth goal. Even with Schaefer’s standout performance, the Canadian defender who caught my attention frequently was Kashawn Aitcheson (OHL Barrie). Aitcheson has excellent size and mobility, is extremely physical, and plays very close to the edge at all times. His game struck me as being most translatable to the pro ranks. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t sing the praises of forwards Cameron Schmidt (WHL Vancouver) and Malcolm Spence (OHL Erie). Schmidt may be small in stature (5’7″), but is fearless and has speed to burn. Spence simply has a great all-around NHL-style game, including a lethal shot he displayed for the CHL’s fifth tally.