The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) revealed on Wednesday that players from both Russia and Belarus will be considered ineligible for selection in the upcoming import draft on July 1 due to the ongoing military operation in Ukraine, in what is the latest sporting penalty being levied against the two countries.
The CHL is the combined organization of three junior hockey leagues in the North American country – the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – and the ban will come into effect a year after 16 players from Russia and 11 from Belarus were selected by various teams within the CHL infrastructure.
The ban, however, will not impact players already on CHL protected lists.
“The Canadian Hockey League has announced that Russian and Belarusian players will not be eligible for the 2022 CHL Draft on July 1,” the CHL announced in a statement.
“This does not include players who are currently on the league’s protected team roster. The Canadian Hockey League remains committed to the safety, well-being and development of all its players, regardless of their country of origin.”