In the first round of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) import draft, at pick number 55, defenseman Mykola Kosarev of the Ukrainian junior national team and the Stavanger Oilers from Norway’s Eliteserien was selected.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian Hockey Federation, the Victoria Royals from the Western Hockey League showed interest in the Ukrainian player.
In the second round, at pick number 84, another Ukrainian player who spent recent seasons in the Norwegian championship was chosen. Forward Mykhailo Haponenko, a member of the Ukrainian junior national team, the Oilers youth team, and the Forus/Sandnes youth team, was drafted by the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League.
At pick number 110 in the second round, goalkeeper Oleksandr Levshyn, who plays for the Ukrainian national and junior teams, was selected. He also attracted interest from a Western Hockey League club and may play the season with the Prince George Cougars.
In total, 142 players from 18 countries were drafted, with the highest number—35 players—coming from the Czech Republic.
