Every year, each team of the CHL has the possibility to choose up to two players from outside North America and add them to their roster. The Import Draft is seen as a way to raise the level of competition within North America's three major junior leagues (WHL, OHL, QMJHL). For the players selected, it can be a springboard into the NHL. For the first time since 2013, goaltenders were also eligible for selection in the CHL Import Draft.
Swiss prospects selected in the 2018 CHL Import Draft:
- Valentin Nussbauer (F, EHC Biel) as 4th overall by the Shawinigan Cataractes
- Akira Schmid (G, SCL Tigers) as 20th overall by the Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Nando Eggenberger (F, HC Davos) as 33th overall by the Oshawa Generals
- Kyen Sopa (F, SC Bern) as 36th overall by the Niagara IceDogs
- Ian Derungs (F, EHC Kloten) as 39th overall by the Kingston Frontenacs
- Dean Schwenninger (F, EV Zug) as 55th overall by the Portland Winterhawks
- David Aebischer (D, HC Fribourg-Gottéron) as 82th overall by the Gatineau Olympiques
In addition, two Swiss-based players have been drafted: Czech Petr Cajka (F, EV Zug Elite A) as 12th overall by the Erie Otters, as well as Austrian Marco Rossi (F, GCK Lions Elite A) as 18th overall by the Ottawa 67's.
As for EHC Biel's Valentin Nussbaumer, the 17-year-old forward will move overseas and suit up for the Cataractes (QMJHL) in the upcoming 2018-19 season. "A dream becomes reality... Honored to be a Cataract, I'm looking forward to join you!," he tweeted in reaction to Shawinigan's selection.
Un rêve devient réalité... Honoré d’être un Cataractes, me réjoui d’arriver chez vous!
— Valentin Nussbaumer (@ValNuss_21) June 28, 2018
CHL (Canadian Hockey League) is the parent organization that represents the three Canadian-based major junior leagues WHL (Western Hockey League), OHL (Ontarian Hockey League) and QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League).Last Update: 28 June 2018, 06:28 PM | rlu*
