Russian, Belarusian players enjoy CHL life, but potential import draft ban looms

Ivan Zhigalov had to make a decision.

The Belarusian goaltender could stay home to continue his development. The other option was a big leap — one that took him across an ocean to follow his hockey dream.

Zhigalov chose the latter.

"It's my first year in North America, but I really enjoy it," said the 18-year-old member of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Sherbrooke Phoenix. "It's pretty nice. I'm so happy to be here, play here.

"It's a great opportunity."

Zhigalov earned that opportunity in the Canadian Hockey League via its annual import draft. The system allows each of the circuit's 60 teams to select and dress up to two players from outside Canada and the U.S. each season.

But Russia's invasion of Ukraine with the support of Belarus has muddied the water for those countries' next generation of teenage hockey hopefuls intent on following the same path.

Russian and Belarusian teams have been banned by the International Ice Hockey Federation from its events at all levels until further notice because of the war. The sport's governing body also removed Russia as host of the 2023 world junior hockey championship.

The CHL, meanwhile, released a March 2 statement condemning the use of Russian "military force" in Ukraine and cancelled the 2022 Canada-Russia series of exhibition games.

While the league offered support to its current players "regardless of their country of origin," there was speculation it might bar Russians and Belarusians from this year's import draft. The CHL, however, has so far kept its options open by indicating the event's timing and format has yet to be determined.

A total of 85 players were selected at the most recent import draft last June, including a high of 16 from Russia and 11 from Belarus.

Zhigalov and a Russian trio made up of defenceman Pavel Mintyukov, forward Maxim Barbashev and winger Ruslan Gazizov — all past import selections — took part in this week's nationally televised CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kitchener, Ont., in front of NHL scouts and executives ahead of the league's July entry draft in Montreal.

Barbashev, a member of the Moncton Wildcats, said the QMJHL's stiffer competition has helped his game immensely as he looks to make the next level.

"Here has great players and coaching staff," said the younger brother of St. Louis Blues centre Ivan Barbashev. "Everything is good here."

Mintyukov, the fifth-ranked North American-based skater on NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings list, said playing for the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit has boosted his offensive skill set.

"So much," said the blue-liner. "A big step in my development."

Zhigalov added that although coming to the CHL was the right decision, it was also a difficult one.

"It's a better league and a great place for improvement," he said. "But it was a big, big step for me because I am apart from my parents, sister, brother. My parents are happy for me. I'm happy to be here. 

"I'm really excited I did this big step."

When the topic shifts to the potential of an import draft ban, however, the Russian and Belarusian players didn't have much to offer.

"I'm trying to look at myself," Zhigalov said. "It's not my business. Just try to do my best and try to be better than I was yesterday … I'm here to play hockey."

"I'm not going to say anything," Mintyukov added.

Barbashev, meanwhile, has a level of sympathy if a ban is imposed in 2022.

"But everybody has a chance to be drafted (in the NHL)," he said. "If you're playing in Russia or you're playing in Canada, you're still gonna get noticed."

Dan Marr, the director of NHL Central Scouting, said getting to North America as soon as possible benefits overseas players, especially when it comes to handling the smaller ice surface and cultural differences away from the rink.

"It saves them trying to adapt at the NHL level or when they've turned pro," he said. "They get to come over here, learn the language, learn the lifestyle. 

"It is an advantage."

Ranked second among North American-based goalies, Zhigalov said he doesn't know where his skill set would be without this season of experience in his NHL draft year.

"It's quicker hockey, more shots," he said. "If I wasn't here, I would not be in shape like this. I like my coaches in Sherbrooke. They're pretty nice with me, they talk a lot with me. 

"They do everything for my improvement."

It remains to be seen if the next crop of teenagers from Russia and Belarus will get the same CHL opportunity.