[Canada 02]

Top prospects today at the Hlinka
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/20...douts-on-day-1

#3 Keaton Verhoeff, D: Verhoeff was all over the ice today. He scored in the first period and then made a great play that would have led to a 3-2 goal had it not been waved off for goaltender interference. The North Dakota commit would go on to register an assist early in the third period on the 4-2 goal. Verhoeff is a huge, skilled defender who proved to be way too much for the Finns to contain, and he only got better as the game wore on. He’ll be one of the first players taken at the 2026 NHL Draft.

#11 Tynan Lawrence, C: I loved Lawrence’s game today. He just kept driving the net, shoving guys around and generating quality chances in high-danger areas. The USHL star has always impressed when wearing Canadian colors because few players are determined to win puck battles like he does. I liked his effort on the 2-0 goal, but I’m surprised he didn’t have more offense.

#14 Mathis Preston, RW: Preston is so, so skilled. He’s so fast, and he has the hands and the hockey IQ to follow. I thought he had a decent showing at selection camp a few weeks back, but he has looked a lot more comfortable and dominant with the puck heading to Europe. He didn’t score, but he seemed involved in just about every dangerous moment his line had.

#15 Ethan Belchetz, LW: Belchetz had a goal, two assists and a (failed) Michigan attempt in a great effort for the big forward. Even ignoring his offense, I liked how miserable he made the Finnish defenders whenever he entered the zone. He’s a huge 6-foot-5 forward who gets into the zone and creates havoc, and he has the raw skill to finish just about any play.