The Prince George Cougars picked up an Eastern European product in the 2017 CHL Import Draft Wednesday morning.
Vladislav Mikhalchuk of Belarus has been selected by the Cats with the 54th pick.
He tallied 35 points (14G, 21A) in 31 games with his National Under-18 club this past season.
The 18-year-old forward also suited up for the Under-20 team in 13 games, where he recorded four assists.
With the 54th overall pick at the 2017 #CHLImportDraft, the @PGCougars select F Vladislav Mikhalchuk ?? (1999) pic.twitter.com/elqgp3KiET
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 28, 2017
He also was a pivotal factor in Belarus’ Gold Medal victory at the 2017 Mac’s Tournament in Calgary says Prince George General Manager Todd Harkins.
“I got to watch him quite a few times and I like the way he was able to compete, skate with speed and handle the puck under traffic. He’s a big and lanky winger that goes to the hard spots on the ice.”
Familiarity with the young forward didn’t hurt either.
“It’s nice to know the player you’re drafting and have been able to see him play other than when you get to the draft there is a bunch of times where you have never seen him play, you’re just watching video or just getting input from your scouts around the world.”
Mikhalchuk scored six goals in seven games at the annual major midget contest, including two shorthanded goals.
Harkins believes the six-foot-two import fits right in with their young nucleus moving forward.
“We wanted to make sure we got a good pick this year that’s going to be able to help us, he’s going into his NHL Draft year since he is a late birthday. He’s on a lot of teams radar and I think it’s a good situation for him and for us as well.”
The Cougars have three Europeans on their list now with the addition of Mikhalchuk.
With the 54th pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft the Cougars selected forward Vladislav Mikhalchuk of Belarus!
MORE: https://t.co/gv3dDwKhrl pic.twitter.com/MNDCNZ0POC
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) June 28, 2017
According to Harkins, Radovan Bondra is still with the club despite earlier reports he had signed with KHL team earlier this spring.
Harkins said he spoke to Bondra’s agent who later shot down that prospect.
Nikita Popugaev was drafted last week by the NHL’s New Jersey Devils in the 4th round, 98th overall.
The club now has options according to Harkins. “At some point, we have to make a decision since we can only have two on our roster but it’s good to have options in the bank knowing that you have that comfort going into the season.”
The Prince George Cougars did not be making a second round selection in the 2017 CHL Import Draft.
WHL SELECTIONS:
- 3) Kootenay ICE = Gilian Kohler, Switzerland
- 6) Vancouver Giants = Milos Roman, Slovakia
- 9) Prince Albert Raiders = Dominik Bokk, Germany
- 12) Edmonton Oil Kings = Andrei Pavlenko, Belarus
- 15) Saskatoon Blades = PASS
- 18) Spokane Chiefs = Milos Fafrak, Slovakia
- 21) Calgary Hitmen = PASS
- 24) Brandon Wheat Kings = Martin Kaut, Czech Republic
- 27) Red Deer Rebels = Kristian Reichel, Czech Republic
- 30) Victoria Royals = Igor Martynov, Belarus
- 33) Portland Winterhawks = Samuel Fagemo, Sweden
- 36) Tri-City Americans = Roman Kalinichenko, Russia
- 39) Swift Current Broncos = PASS
- 42) Kamloops Blazers = Justin Sigrist, Switzerland
- 45) Moose Jaw Warriors = Oleg Sosunov, Russia
- 48) Lethbridge Hurricanes = Yegor Zudilov, Russia
- 51) Kelowna Rockets = Libor Zabransky, Czech Republic
- 54) Prince George Cougars = Vladislav Mikhalchuk, Belarus
- 56) Seattle Thunderbirds = Nikita Malukhin, Russia
- 58) Everett Silvertips = Martin Fasko-Rudas, Slovakia
- 59) Medicine Hat Tigers = Mick Kohler, Germany
- 60) Regina Pats = Yegor Zamula, Russia
- 63) Kootenay ICE = Martin Bodak, Slovakia
- 66) Vancouver Giants = Yannik Valenti, Germany
- 78) Spokane Chiefs = Filip Kral, Czech Republic
- 96) Tri-City Americans = Sergei Sapego, Belarus
- 111) Kelowna Rockets = Marek Skvrne, Czech Republic
- 118) Everett Silvertips = Pavel Azhgirei, Belarus
- 119) Medicine Hat Tigers = Linus Nassen, Sweden
- 120) Regina Pats = Emil Oksanen, Finland
WHL SELECTIONS BY COUNTRY:
- Belarus = 5
- Czech Republic = 5
- Russia = 5
- Slovakia = 4
- Germany = 3
- Sweden = 2
- Switzerland = 2
- Finland = 1