The Kamloops Blazers went through Russia and Kazakhstan today to pick up a pair of CHL Import selections.

In the 1^st round – 39^th overall, the Blazers used their Dallas Stars connections to select 18 year-old Defenseman Mikhail “Misha” Cherepanov out of Russia.

He was a 7^th round selection of the Dallas Stars at the NHL Draft on Saturday.

“He’s competitive, he can skate, has some puck skill,” suggested Blazers Head Coach / GM Shaun Clouston after completing the annual Import Draft.

“We’re told he has some charisma, some presence.  That will fit in well (here) with us.”

Cherepanov is listed 6’2” and 188 pounds.

He is expected in Kamloops for training camp in the fall.

He played last season in the North American Hockey League in New Hampshire.

The NAHL is a developmental league which is considered a feeder system for the NCAA, with many of the US college bound hockey players in the United States coming out of that system each year.

In round two, the Blazers selected 18 year-old Kazakh Forward Yegor Kravchenko – a prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft next summer due to his late birthday.

The 5’11” forward comes highly regarded.

“He plays the game the right way,” continued Clouston.

“He’s competitive, and has some leadership ability – he captained Kazakhstan’s U-18 team and was their best player at the World Championships.”

Kravchenko played last season MHK Barys out of the Kazakh capital, Astana in the MHL.

The MHL [Molodezhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga, translated to Minor (youth) Hockey League] is Russia’s version of the CHL, but where each team develops talent exclusively for a team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Kravchenko also expected to be in Kamloops this fall.

Today’s two picks will join returning Czech F Vit Zahejsky as the three imports for next season.