Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes are proud to announce the selection of Swedish Right Winger Axel Blomqvist in the first round (17^th overall) of the 2012 CHL Import Draft. The 1995-born Blomqvist is 6’5, 194 lbs. and spent this past season with Rogle J18 (both the J18 Elit and J18 Allsvenskan teams.) In 38 games between the two, he registered 46 points (27G, 19A.) and his 31 points on the J18 Elit team were second in team scoring. Axel is the younger brother of Hurricanes defenseman Albin Blomqvist and Anton Blomqvist who was a 2009 NHL Draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

On drafting Blomqvist, Hurricanes GM and Head Coach Rich Preston stated “There are five brothers in the family and talking to his brother (Albin) he said he’s definitely the best player. They’re a very close family, they wanted to play together and just knowing what we know about Albin – his character and toughness, takes pride in his defence, he’s a physical player – we’re getting the same type player in Axel as a forward and he’s a great skater for his size” Preston went on to say “I think the big thing is they really wanted to play together and that’s nice because his brother’s been here, he can tell him what to expect and make the transition easier.”

Each team in the CHL is permitted to carry two European Import players each season. These players are selected annually at the Import Draft, with the selection order rotating through the Quebec, Ontario and Western Hockey League’s using an inverse order of their final regular season standings from the 2011-2012 season.

To start, Sherbrooke had sent the first overall pick to Moncton and the Wildcats selected forward Ivan Barbashev of Russia. The second overall pick was held by the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders and they drafted forward Leon Draisaitl of Germany. The third overall pick went to Erie and they drafted Swedish goalie Oscar Dansk.                                    

In the CHL Import Draft last year, the Barrie Colts had the first overall pick which was traded to London. The Knights took Defenceman Olli Maatta of Finland. The WHL’s Calgary Hitmen drafted 3^rd overall and they selected Centre Victor Rask of Sweden.

The 2012 CHL Import Draft summary can be found at www.chlimportdraft.com