Michael Schnattinger (left) and Aapo Sarell (right) will make their Blazer debuts this weekend (Image credit: Kamloops Blazers).

By Aaron Schulze

Finnish Defenceman and Czechian Goalie

Blazers sign both CHL Import Draft picks

Sep 8, 2022 | 8:05 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers signed both their picks in the 2022 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.

In a news release issued Thursday (Sept. 8) morning, the Blazers announced they’ve signed 2003-born Finnish defenceman Aapo Sarell and 2004-born Czechian goaltender Michael Schnattinger.

Sarell was the Blazers’ first import pick (55^th overall). In 2021-22, he scored 15 points (six goals and nine assists) in 39 games with SaiPa’s U20 program and registered one assist in 12 games with SaiPa’s men’s team in the Finnish Elite League.

Schnattinger, the Blazers’ second import pick (115^th overall), is likely to be the club’s second goalie alongside Dylan Ernst. He had a 0.915 save percentage and a 3.16 goals against average in 34 games with HC Kometa Brno’s U20 program in Czechia.

The Blazers say both Sarell and Schnattinger will play their debut this weekend. The Blazers play their first Western Hockey League exhibition game Friday (Sept. 9) when they host the Kelowna Rockets. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. from Sandman Centre.

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