File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

SPORTS

Three Medicine Hat Tigers staff to represent team at CHL USA Prospects Challenge

Oct 17, 2025 | 7:44 AM

The Medicine Hat Tigers will have three staff members represent them at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge next month.

Willie Desjardins, general manager and head coach of the Medicine Hat Tigers, will be the head coach for Team CHL.

He will be joined by his son Jace Desjardins as the video coach, a role he also holds with the Tigers.

The Tigers’ Mikki Lanuk will be the head athletic therapist for the games.

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Courtesy/Medicine Hat Tigers

The assistants during the two contests for Desjardins will be Jay McKee, the head coach of the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, and Sylvain Favreau, a head coach with the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs.

“We’re thrilled to have three exceptional coaches representing the CHL at this year’s CHL USA Prospects Challenge,” said CHL president Dan MacKenzie in a press release.

“Willie, Jay, and Sylvain have each proven themselves as leaders who develop players both on and off the ice. Their combined experience and success across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL will bring tremendous knowledge and perspective to our players as they showcase their skills on an elite stage.”

A third assistant coach will be Mike Johnston of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks.

Willie Desjardins, now in his 16th season behind the bench in the WHL, said it’s an honour to be chosen.

“There are many great coaches in the Canadian Hockey League to choose from. I’m excited and looking forward to the opportunity to work with a great group of players and staff,” Desjardins said.

Desjardins is one of only 12 coaches in Western Hockey League history to surpass the 500-win milestone.

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READ: ‘Great coach, even a better person’: Medicine Hat Tigers head coach Desjardins gets win 500

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He has guided the Tigers to three league championships, including the 2025 Ed Chynoweth Cup.

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READ: Medicine Hat Tigers make triumphant return after WHL win

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The CHL USA Prospects Challenge is a best-on-best, two-game series spotlighting the top NHL Draft-eligible players from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL facing off against the U.S. National Under-18 Team.

The first event was held last November in London and Oshawa.

The 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge will take place on Nov. 25 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, and Nov. 26 at VisitLethbridge.com Arena in Lethbridge.

Puck drop for both games is 6 p.m. MT

Tickets are on sale now for both games at chl.ca/prospectschallenge.