CHL cancels upcoming series against Russian players; import draft ban remains up in the air

Amid rumours that the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) - the umbrella organization for the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League - would ban players from Russia and Belarus at its upcoming import draft, it appears there have been some second thoughts. The CHL has released a statement after a meeting on Wednesday where it said the upcoming 2022 Canada Russia Series has been cancelled, but no mention of banning anyone at the import draft.

According to Chris Johnston of TSN, a decision has not yet been made either way on the import draft, and the CHL will continue to discuss it.

There seem to be two trains of thought on the possibility of banning players from Russia and Belarus from being drafted into the CHL. Some see it aas punishing young players for something they have no control over, while others see it as an appropriate way to send a message to Russia that there are consequences for its invasion of Ukraine.

It's expected a decision on the import draft will be made at a later date.

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