Ryan Roobroeck Selected for Team CHL
Ryan Roobroeck, a standout forward for the Niagara IceDogs, has been selected as one of the first players to join Team CHL for the upcoming 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge. Having impressed scouts with his remarkable offensive capabilities and physical prowess, Roobroeck is currently viewed as a likely top ten pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, with some analysts ranking him among the top five prospects. Notably, The Hockey News ranks him as the second-best talent, trailing only Gavin McKenna, who is expected to be the first overall choice.
Player Profile
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound player is known for his exceptional scoring ability, boasting a quick release that positions him as a potential 30-goal scorer in the NHL. His impressive performance last season saw him achieve 87 points, comprised of 41 goals and 46 assists, over 64 games. Additionally, he played a crucial role in securing a gold medal for Canada at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, contributing 9 points in 7 games.
Scouting and Development
Originally drafted second overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Roobroeck has continued to evolve as a player. Scouts this season will closely monitor his development, particularly focusing on his overall gameplay and effectiveness when playing without the puck, aspects that have been identified as needing improvement.
Upcoming Prospects Challenge
The Prospects Challenge, which showcases the premier draft-eligible CHL talents against the U.S. National U18 Team, is slated for November 25-26 in Calgary and Lethbridge. This event follows last year’s successful inaugural showcase held in London and Oshawa, which saw five players from the 2024 team ultimately selected in the top ten of the 2025 NHL Draft. Joining Roobroeck on Team CHL are defensemen Ryan Lin from the Vancouver Giants and Xavier Villeneuve from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada from the QMJHL.
OHL Updates
In related news, the latest from the OHL includes the return of players who attended the Vancouver Canucks’ training camp, signing NHL contracts with their respective clubs. Additionally, the Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their pre-season, providing young talents the chance to demonstrate their potential. Moreover, a notable trade has seen the Niagara IceDogs reacquire defenseman Artem Frolov and forward Hayden Reid from the Flint Firebirds, a year after they were part of a significant three-team trade.
