Blazers Select Mikhail "Misha" Cherepanov in CHL Import Draft

Image Credit: New Hampshire Mountain Kings

The Kamloops Blazers added to their blue line on Tuesday, selecting defenceman Mikhail "Misha" Cherepanov in the first round of the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

The 18-year-old spent last season with the New Hampshire Mountain Kings of the NAHL, where he recorded five goals and 31 points in 56 games. Cherepanov was also selected by the Dallas Stars in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft earlier this week.

Standing 6-foot-2, Cherepanov is expected to bring size and stability to the Blazers' defence. Having already played a full season in North America, he has experience with the style of play and could compete for a regular role in Kamloops next season.

The Blazers also selected forward Yegor Kravchenko in the import draft, adding another international player to the organization as they continue preparing for the 2026-27 WHL season.