Chicago Forward Producing For Team USA And USHL Club
One month ago in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, some of the world's top young talent met for the World Junior A Challenge. It was a roller-coaster tournament but Team USA closed it out with a 5-1 win over Canada West in the gold medal game. The USA squad had plenty of representation from the United States Hockey League with the likes of Jackson Crowder, Caleb Heil, and several others donning the red, white, and blue. Even with the star-studded lineup, one of the players who stood out most was Buffalo Sabres 2025 draft pick and Chicago Steel forward Ashton Schultz.
A native of Excelsior, Minnesota, Schultz has had a decorated junior career so far. In 83 games with Minnetonka High School, he put up an impressive 102 points (41 G, 61 A). In the 2022 USHL draft, Schultz was selected by the Sioux Falls Stampede. Upon finishing his high school season, Schultz joined the Stampede and dished out 1 assist in 14 games to end his first USHL campaign. His time in South Dakota would be short lived, as after just one game into the 2024-25 season he was dealt to the Chicago Steel. Schultz had an instant impact with his new club, playing in 57 games and finishing the year as joint-top scorer with 39 points (14 G, 25 A). Chicago would go on to finish the season bottom of the Eastern Conference.
This year has been a different story for Schultz and Chicago (13-14-6). Through 33 games, their point percentage (0.485%) has risen considerably and the Steel are still in the playoff hunt as the January schedule rolls on. Schultz has added a degree of leadership to the Illinois club and was named an alternate captain by head coach Scott Gomez. So far this season Schultz is operating at 0.83 points per game (19 P, 23 GP), good for fourth on the team.
Schutlz' leadership and production earned him a spot on Team USA for the 2025 World Junior A Challenge. Playing in all 5 games, Schultz netted 3 goals and gave out 3 helpers in games against some of the best junior players from Canada West, Canada East, and Sweden. He was a consistent scorer, recording points in all but one game. Team USA has had a run of success at the Junior A Challenge, winning 3 of the last 5 tournaments.
When this season is over, Schultz will make his way back west to play for the University of North Dakota. Currently ranked #4 in the country, he will join a perennial Frozen Four contender. After his time in Grand Forks, Schultz will be eager to join the Sabres' system and work his way to the National Hockey League.
Chicago and Schultz will continue their quest for a playoff berth next weekend with a trip to Madison for a pair with the Capitols (17-13-2).