Written by Max Cotroneo
The Rochester Jr. Americans and North American Hockey league announce the selections of Adam Gionta, Calle Karlsson, Dexter Kichline, and Jaden Dyke, along with Head Coach and GM Francois Methot as representatives for the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament. This is the first Top Prospect selection for all four players along with coach Methot.
Adam Gionta leads the Jr. Amerks in points with 15 goals and 40 points in 38 games played. The second year NAHL player spent five years with the Buffalo Jr. Sabers before joining Rochester.He ranks 21st in points out of all qualified NAHL players.
Calle Karlsson ranks second on the team with 39 points and leads the Americans with 17 goals. The Swedish forward has quickly made his mark as one of the NAHL’s top offensive players in his debut season.
Dexter Kichline continues to be one of Rochester’s most reliable defenders. Now in his second season, Kichline’s game has evolved immensely, making him an important piece in Rochester’s defense corps.
Jaden Dyke has been one of the most consistent forwards for the Jr. Americans, tallying at least one point in 24 of 35 games played this season.The Canadian has shown significant improvement from last season, surpassing his previous point total of 26 in 57 games with 30 points in just 35 games. The team is 18-2-2 all-time when he scores a goal.
Head Coach Francois Methot has made his mark as one of junior hockey’s best coaches. Now in his second season, Methot has pioneered the division’s top team, with an impressive 28-8-7 record through 38 games. Under Methot’s direction, the Jr. Americans have quickly become a contender in the NAHL. He will be the bench boss for the East Division team.
The 2025 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament will take place on February 17-18, 2025, at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. This will be the tournament’s first time returning to the venue since 2018.
Being one of the most highly scouted tournaments in junior hockey, the event draws nearly every Division I school and NHL team. This tournament continues to be one of the most useful events for NCAA and NHL scouts, showcasing the league’s top uncommitted talent.
“We are thrilled to be heading to the USA Hockey Arena for the 2025 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld. “Its sole purpose is to provide those players that are still uncommitted a great opportunity to play in front of hundreds of NCAA and NHL scouts for a chance to make a great impression and earn an NCAA commitment or get drafted into the NHL.”
This tournament will feature six teams, each playing two games. Four teams will be made up of players from their respective divisions. The two other teams will be the at-large ‘Selects’ squads. ‘Selects Black’ consists of top uncommitted players nominated from all four divisions, while ‘Selects Gold’ features players chosen with the input from the NHL’s Central Scouting Department.
Each roster will feature 20 players: 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders, a total of 120 athletes. Player nominations are submitted by their head coaches, with each team selecting three forwards and two defensemen. Teams may also nominate a goaltender if they choose.
The Jr. Americans would like to wish our players and staff congratulation on being chosen for the event.