Caleb Malhotra believes his hockey IQ is the biggest strength of his game.

That trait was very much on display in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge this week.

Team CHL’s top centre and captain was a play-driver throughout the two-game series showcasing 2026 NHL Draft prospects. Malhotra was rewarded for his efforts when he scored a short-handed, breakaway goal in Wednesday’s series-tying 4-3 win in Lethbridge, Alta.

The Brantford Bulldogs forward gobbled up a clearing attempt that bounced off USA defenceman AJ Francisco before speeding past him and eventually going to his backhand for a highlight-reel goal that started Team CHL’s comeback from a 3-1 deficit. The USA went on to win the series with a goal in three-on-three super overtime.

“Just being able (to be effective) on both sides of

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