[6] Imported players usually prefer playing in the CHL instead of the United States Hockey League (USHL), due to the higher level of competition.
[10] Once an import draftee reports to a CHL team, there is also risk involved in whether the player adapts to being far away from home, the ability to speak English or French, playing on smaller ice surfaces, and the more physical North American game.
[11] Teams may choose any player who meets age requirements, and resides outside of the normal territorial claims for the entry draft of the constituent leagues.
[4] Foreign-born players have come to North America to play minor hockey in Canada or the United States, and earn local status to avoid the Import Draft.
[12][13] Draft eligibility is based on the parents’ full-time residence, by looking at housing deeds, banking records, or lease agreements, rather than the length of time spent in the country.
[12] Examples of foreign-born players classified as locals include, David Levin from Israel, Daniel Sprong from the Netherlands, and Alex Galchenyuk from a Belarusian father, despite being born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
[12] Teams from the QMJHL have fewer American states to choose from compared to the WHL and OHL, and use the import draft to build competitive rosters.
[2] Commissioner David Branch said that the ban was never viewed as a mistake, and its reversal was not trying to right a wrong; rather it was about comparing the development programs since put in place to best serve the interest of the Canadian goalkeeper.
[2] USA Hockey has implemented similar programs, and the USHL recently slackened its import player rules, allowing more Canadians and Europeans.
[2] The proposal to resume drafting European goalkeepers claims that it brings more competition, and forces Canadians to prove their talents against a broader pool.