There has been much discussion in the past several months regarding the manner in which the NCAA’s rule change lifting its ban on CHL players will affect the junior hockey world. The response has been fairly dramatic, as more than fifty players have defected from the United States Hockey League to compete in the CHL’s major junior ranks. A prime example of this shift is Toronto native Alexander Hage’s decision to depart the USHL’s Chicago Steel to compete for the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs in 2025-26. Hage, who is 2026 draft-eligible, will join his older brother Michael (MTL 2024 draft, 1st round 21st overall) at the University of Michigan next season, assuming the elder Hage doesn’t turn pro prior to that time.
Having said all that, there still is much youthful talent playing for USHL clubs this season. Taking the lead is Muskegon forward Tynan Lawrence, who is a potential top 10 2026 draft pick. Lawrence did not play at this season’s showcase due to injury, a definite disappointment to me personally. He has committed to Boston University for the 2027-28 season.
Several other projected high picks are playing for their clubs this week, including Green Bay forward Landon Hafele, as well as the NTDP’s Mikey Berchild and Casey Mutryn. Hafele is a former NTDP player who has moved on from his two-year stint there, and has committed to Arizona State for 2025-26. University of Denver commit Berchild & the BC-bound Mutryn will be featured this weekend when the NTDP plays Fargo this afternoon and Lincoln tomorrow.
Over a dozen other 2026 draft-eligible players are competing at this year’s showcase, so stay tuned for their progress throughout the course of the USHL season.