Oulahen to coach Team CHL in prospects challenge
The Coach and Assistant General Manager of the North Bay Battalion is heading behind the bench for the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) team at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
Ryan Oulahen has been named head coach of Team CHL.
The two-game series takes place Dec. 1-2 in Chicoutimi and Québec City.
It brings together top 2027 NHL Draft prospects from the Ontario, Quebec Maritimes and Western leagues to face the U.S. National Under-18 Team.
“I am extremely honoured to represent the CHL in this year’s CHL USA Prospects Challenge,” says Oulahen. “Having the opportunity to work with the coaching staff from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is very special as well. We built a lot of trust and chemistry together and look forward to preparing this talented group of CHL players.”
The six member staff, including Oulahen, three assistant coaches, video coach and General Manager, won gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta this summer.
“Ryan and this staff have already delivered on the international stage, helping Canada capture gold at this summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup,” says Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “Their success reflects the strength of coaching and player development across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. In a two-game series, building chemistry quickly is essential, and their experience working together will be a valuable asset for our players. We’re excited to have this group lead Team CHL as our players showcase their talent against the U.S. National Under-18 Team in front of fans in Chicoutimi and Québec City.”
Oulahen previously served as an assistant coach at the inaugural edition of the prospects challenge in 2024, helping Team CHL earn a series victory over the U.S. National Under-18 Team in London and Oshawa, Ontario.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
