Sudbury Wolves Welcome 2025 CHL Import Draft Class
(Greater Sudbury, ON) – The 2025 CHL Import Draft took place on July 2nd, with the Sudbury Wolves selecting two players to join the organization.
The Wolves started their draft with the 29th overall pick, selecting Artem Gonchar, a 6-foot-1, 160 lbs, left-handed defenceman from Chelyabinsk, Russia. Gonchar was recently selected 89th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2025 NHL Draft. Gonchar played most of his 2024/25 season in the MHL, recording 25 points (7 goals and 18 assists) in 50 games with Magnitogorsk Stalnye Lisy. His uncle, Sergei Gonchar, was a longtime NHL defenceman who played 1301 NHL games.
“We are very happy to draft Artem today”, said Rob Papineau, Vice President and General Manager of the Sudbury Wolves. “He is a highly intelligent player who has excellent vision and is a great playmaker and smooth skating defenceman.”
The Wolves ended their draft with the 90th overall pick, selecting Lasse Boelius, a 6-foot-1, 190 lbs, left-handed defenceman from Pori, Finland. Boelius represented Finland at the 2025 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded a goal and five assists in five games. In the 2025 NHL Draft, Boelius was drafted 60th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. At club level, Boelius is coming off a 2024/25 campaign where he had 18 points (4 goals and 14 assists) in 34 games.
“Lasse is a player we have been very high on for the past two years”, expressed Papineau. “He has been the top defenceman in his age group in Finland and a recent NHL high pick. He is an elite skater and we look forward to our continued conversations with Lasse and his advisor throughout the summer”.
Season memberships for the 2025/26 Wolves season are now available! Receive benefits such as a season member gift, exclusive contests and promotions, 15% off merchandise at Greater Sports, 15% off concessions at all Sudbury Wolves home games, and more! Contact [email protected] for more information.
