Called Up: The Hockey Prospects Podcast

The NHL Draft is a big focus this week as Cam shares his thoughts from what he's seen at the wild U18 Worlds in Slovakia including some incredible upsets early in the tournament.

Cam also talks about what players are raising their stock and who is seeing their stock go down over the early stages of the tournament.

Chris chimes in with some thoughts on the players still active in the CHL playoffs including top QMJHL defensemen Tommy Bleyl and Xavier Villeneuve.

Plus a quick look at the transfer portal, Chris struggles through another Called Up Challenge, we ask if this draft class is any good at all in Beyond Belief and then the two hosts go head-to-head on which of the top QMJHL D they would take first in the draft.

There's a ton of ground covered this week, so you won't want to miss it!
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The NHL Central Scouting final rankings are out. Chris and Cam, as you'd expect, have some thoughts on the way it all shook out. The two discuss the surprises or lack thereof and also take a look further down the list. 

Plus, you won't want to miss the discussion on the way teams and international federations are trying to stop the flow of players to developmental paths they are competing with. Chris and Cam share their own opinions about how international federations are using national team opportunities as battle grounds to stop player movement. 

Up next, Chris and Cam discuss the early rosters we've seen for the IIHF U18 Men's World Championship which kicks off next week in Slovakia. 

This week, we also brought back the Called Up Challenge where Chris and Cam test each other's prospect knowledge with just a few context clues.

Plus we talk about David Carle's future, the NCAA coaches that could get NHL nods, plus some NHL Draft prospects that could get the nod for Men's Worlds in our Beyond Belief segment.

And lastly, Chris and Cam talk about which superstar teenager they would rather build a team around: Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer.

It's a jam-packed show!
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As the college hockey season wraps up, we look at the biggest storyline of the year: Gavin McKenna's one (and likely only) season in the NCAA at Penn State. Chris and Cam discuss the many, many facets of McKenna's decision including if he made the right call to go to Penn State, if the team's investment in him paid off and what's next for the player.

Additionally, Chris and Cam discuss a new proposed NCAA rule that could throw everything in this ever-changing landscape into further flux.

Plus, Chris shares some thoughts from a trip to Brantford to see arguably the best team in junior hockey -- the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs.

Don't miss our regular segments including Beyond Belief and You Have To Pick One as Cam rubs it in that he is in Las Vegas and Chris is not.
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The 2026 NCAA Men's Frozen Four is here and there's a lot to talk about. Chris and Cam take a look at Michigan, Denver, North Dakota and Wisconsin who will compete for the national championship in Las Vegas. Who will win? The hosts don't agree.

Also on this week's episode: Ryan Lin commits to Denver, Mercyhurst drops their men's hockey program and more college hockey notes.

Chris and Cam also take a look at the CHL Playoffs including Kelowna's hot start in the WHL, Flint making OHL history and the favorites rolling in the QMJHL.

Don't miss our regular segments including Beyond Belief and You Have To Pick One!
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This week, Chris and Cam break down the surprising decision by the Boston Bruins to start their top prospect in the AHL as opposed to getting him under NHL contract right away. The two also discuss the potential benefits and risks of the decision and why players are getting their way more often than not.

Elsewhere, the Called Up hosts break down some of the players and series to watch as the playoffs begin in the OHL, QMJHL and WHL. Find out which players can really prove themselves and which first-round matchups bring the most intrigue.

Cam and Chris also talk about the rule allowing 19-year-olds to come into the AHL starting next season as the NHL modifies its transfer agreement with the CHL. There is a lot to break down.

Lastly, don't miss our regular segments including Beyond Belief and You Have To Pick One.

On another note, Chris shares a heartfelt tribute to the late Jessi Pierce and her three children who tragically died in a fire. If you would like to help the family navigate this tragic loss of Jessi, Hudson, Cayden And Avery, consider donating here.
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