Goodbye, Import Goaltenders

As reported over the past few weeks, European goaltenders in the Canadian Hockey League will soon become a thing of the past.

#CHL announces change to Import Draft rule - 2013 will be the final opportunity for clubs to select European goaltenders at annual draft
— CanadianHockeyLeague (@CHLHockey) June 11, 2013

Euro G born 94/95 may be picked in 1st round '13 #CHL Import Draft, current import G and those selected can play until eligibility exhausted
— CanadianHockeyLeague (@CHLHockey) June 11, 2013

The move has to do with Canada’s recent struggles to produce quality goaltenders, as the Toronto Star explains. Buzzing The Net also has a solid read on the controversial decision.

Switzerland native Robert Mayer is the only Euro goaltender the Sea Dogs have ever had. He played two seasons in Saint John from 2007-2009 and has been playing in the Montreal Canadiens farm system ever since.

Of note, the 2013 CHL Import Draft is on Wednesday, July 3. The Sea Dogs will select ninth overall.