MOOSE JAW -- The Moose Jaw Warriors will have the opportunity to land an elite player, and possibly a high National Hockey League Draft pick, when the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft takes place in a couple months’ time.
The CHL announced Wednesday that the Warriors will have the first overall selection during the draft, which takes place Wednesday, July 2 at 11 a.m.
As a result, Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger and his scouting crew will have a chance to pick a player who could have an immediate impact on the team’s fortunes in the coming campaign -- especially if things turn out like they have with players selected first overall the last couple years.
The 2024 Import Draft saw the QMJHL’s Val D’Or Foreurs select Russia forward Matvei Gridin with the top pick, and after a trade to Shawinigan Frontenacs, the Calgary Flames first round selection went on to put up 35 goals and 79 points in 56 games.
It was a similar good result for the Erie Otters in the 2023 Draft, as they landed Slovakia’s Martin Misiak, a Chicago Blackhawks second rounder who went on to score 23 goals and 59 points in 60 games last season.
The Warriors currently have one import player on their roster, Czechia forward Dominik Pavlik. The 53rd overall selection in the 2024 Draft, Pavlik signed with the team in December but was limited to only 13 games due to injury, putting up a goal and two points.
The just-turned 18-year-old also suited up at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World U18 Championships this past season, scoring a goal and three points across nine games at the two events.
Thanks to the recent decision by the CHL to allow three import players per team, the Warriors will have two selections in the draft, also picking fourth, 65th overall, in the second round.
The Warriors have seen major contributions from their import picks in recent years, including key performances from forward Martin Rysavy and defenceman Voytech Port in their run to the WHL Championship in 2024.
The WHL Prospects and U.S. Priority Drafts both take place this week, beginning with the first round of the Prospects Draft on Wednesday night. Moose Jaw will select 18th overall in the first round, and fans can watch how things turn out on VictoryPlus.com for free beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The Warriors will also have a chance to land an impact player in the U.S. Priority Draft on Thursday at 9 a.m. when they select second overall. The remainder of the Prospects Draft will take place at the conclusion of the U.S. Draft.
For more information, including realtime updates on all the selections Wednesday and Thursday, keep an eye on www.whl.ca.
