Russian and Belarusian players will not be eligible for the Canadian Hockey League International Draft on 1er next July.
Posted at 4:22 p.m.
The Canadian circuit made the announcement in a short press release on Friday afternoon, as the Russian invasion has continued for several weeks in Ukraine.
This decision, however, does not impact players who are already on a team’s protection list, it is reported.
“The Canadian Hockey League remains committed to the safety, well-being and development of all its players, regardless of their country of origin,” it added.
The international selection session, which has two rounds, allows the 60 teams of the Canadian League (LHJMQ, OHL and WHL) to welcome up to two players from outside Canada and the United States. Last year, 85 players were selected during this repechage, including 27 from Russia or Belarus.
In March, the CHL also decided to cancel its traditional Canada-Russia Series.