CHL Import Draft strengthens Brampton Steelheads with international talent
BRAMPTON, ON — The Brampton Steelheads strengthened their international prospect pool during the 2026 CHL Import Draft, selecting Finnish goaltender Oskari Ahmajarvi with the seventh overall pick and Russian forward Stepan Kuryachenkov with the 68th overall selection.
The two additions bring international experience and proven junior hockey production to the organization as the Steelheads continue preparing for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season.
Ahmajarvi Headlines Steelheads’ Import Class
Ahmajarvi, a 6-foot, 181-pound goaltender from Nurmijärvi, Finland, was the first goaltender selected in the 2026 CHL Import Draft after an impressive season with Kiekko-Espoo U20 in Finland’s U20 SM-sarja league. He posted a 2.34 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in 29 appearances while helping Kiekko-Espoo capture the league championship.
The 2008-born netminder has represented Finland internationally at the U16, U17, and U18 levels, including appearances at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship and the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
Steelheads Director of Goaltending David Shantz said the organization believes Ahmajarvi has the qualities needed to make a successful transition to the OHL.
“Oskari is a highly competitive, athletic goaltender with a strong track record of results. His Finnish U20 SM-Sarja championship in Keikko-Espoo last season, coupled with his international body of work provides a solid foundation for him to transition and earn success at the OHL level. Oskari will provide our team with a strong presence heading into next season as we seek to take a meaningful step forward as a group.”
With the 68th overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, the Brampton Steelheads are proud to select Stepan Kuryachenkov from the Swift Current Broncos! pic.twitter.com/KAVugKCSq4
— Brampton Steelheads (@OHLSteelheads) June 30, 2026
Kuryachenkov Brings CHL Experience
With their second selection, the Steelheads chose Stepan Kuryachenkov, a 6-foot, 165-pound forward from Ufa, Russia.
Unlike many import selections, Kuryachenkov already has Canadian Hockey League experience after spending the 2025-26 season with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. As a 16-year-old, he recorded 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) during his rookie campaign.
Before arriving in North America, Kuryachenkov produced 27 goals and 29 assists in 29 games with Salavat Yulaev Ufa’s U17 team in Russia. He also appeared in three games with Tolpar Ufa of the MHL and represented Russia at both the U16 and U17 international levels.
Strengthening the Steelheads’ Future
The CHL Import Draft gives Canadian Hockey League clubs the opportunity to secure the rights to elite international players from outside Canada and the United States. By selecting Ahmajarvi and Kuryachenkov, the Steelheads have added two players with international experience and strong developmental backgrounds as they continue building toward the 2026-27 season.
The organization has been active throughout the offseason, signing several members of its 2026 draft class while continuing to add talent through both the OHL Priority Selection and CHL Import Draft.
Follow GTA Weekly for the latest Brampton Steelheads news, OHL coverage, and updates throughout the 2026–27 season.
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