The Kamloops Blazers selected Roman Makarov with its CHL Import Draft pick (Twitter/@blazerhockey).

By Aaron Schulze

Blazers Import Draft

Blazers select big 17-year-old Russian forward with first pick in CHL Import Draft

Jun 30, 2021 | 9:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers selected Roman Makarov with its first pick – 38^th overall – in the 2021 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft.

The 17-year-old forward scored 15 goals and 17 assists in 28 games between Russia’s U-17 and U-18 leagues. He’s listed as 6-5 and 214 lbs.

“We feel he has upside in his game,” Blazers Director of Player Personnel Robbie Sandland stated. “He covers the ice well and has a nice blend of power and offensive touch around the net. With his size and ability, he is tough to contain below the circles in the offensive zone.”

The Blazers passed on their second pick – 89^th overall.

The CHL Import Draft is an annual event where every team in the Western, Ontario and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League may select the rights to eligible import players. An import player is someone who doesn’t have residency status in Canada or the United States.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Are the B.C. Conservatives digging their own graves?

1h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

Dec 14, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024