The Guelph Storm, a junior ice hockey team based in Guelph, Ontario, has made a significant move in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft. The team has selected Russian forward Daniil Chayka as their first pick in the draft, which took place on Tuesday.
Chayka, who hails from Moscow, Russia, is a highly skilled player with a strong track record in the Russian junior leagues. He has played for the Krasnaya Armiya Moscow team in the MHL, the top junior league in Russia, for the past two seasons. In the 2019-2020 season, he recorded 13 goals and 22 assists in 56 games, and in the 2020-2021 season, he tallied 10 goals and 18 assists in 43 games.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward is known for his speed, agility, and playmaking abilities. He is also a strong two-way player, with a solid defensive game. Chayka is expected to bring a new level of skill and talent to the Guelph Storm, who finished fourth in the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the 2019-2020 season.
The CHL Import Draft allows teams in the CHL, which includes the OHL, the Western Hockey League (WHL), and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), to select players from outside of North America. Each team is allowed two import players on their roster, and the draft is held annually to give teams the opportunity to add international talent to their lineup.
The Guelph Storm’s general manager and head coach, George Burnett, expressed his excitement about the team’s selection of Chayka. He stated, “We are thrilled to have Daniil join our organization. He is a dynamic player with a high hockey IQ and a strong work ethic. We believe he will be a great addition to our team and will make an immediate impact on the ice.”
Chayka is also looking forward to joining the Guelph Storm and playing in the OHL. He said, “I am very excited to be drafted by the Guelph Storm. I have heard great things about the organization and the city of Guelph. I am looking forward to joining the team and contributing to their success.”
The Guelph Storm’s next season is set to begin in October, and fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Chayka and the rest of the team. With his impressive skills and experience, Chayka is expected to make a significant impact on the ice and help the Guelph Storm reach new heights in the upcoming season.
