Edmonton Selects Kulda in 2012 CHL Import Draft

Edmonton, AB - The 2012 WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings are proud to announce the selection of forward Edgars Kulda from Belarus with the 38th overall pick in the 2012 CHL Import Draft. Edmonton traded their fifth round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam draft to Brandon for the 38th overall selection in the CHL Import Draft.

Kulda is a late 1994-born forward who will be eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft. He tallied 21 goals and 15 assists in 25 games with HK Juniors Riga in Latvia. Kulda is a hard working player with elements of power already cultivated in his game. He has a good shot and shows strong offensive timing around the net away from the puck. He has some similarities to Oilers draft pick and Latvian forward Kristians Pelss. Kulda hails from Belarus but has played for the U18 Latvian National team. Edgars is the younger brother of Winnipeg Jets prospect Arturs Kulda. Edmonton then traded the 60th overall pick to Seattle in exchange for their 10th round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

Edmonton At The CHL Import Draft:
2012 – Edgars Kulda – Belarus (38th overall – traded from BDN)
2011 - Martin Gernat - Slovakia (18th overall - traded from KAM)
2010 - Marek Hrbas - Czech Republic (4th overall)
2010 - Kristians Pelss - Latvia (19th overall - traded from VIC)
2009 - No Pick
2008 - Robin Soudek - Czech Republic (12th overall)
2007 - Tomas Vincour - Czech Republic (1st overall)

Last season the London Knights used the first overall pick to select defenceman Olli Maatta who was recently chosen 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  Maatta was one of four current CHL import players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft headlined by Nail Yakupov who was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers after being the second overall selection of the Sarnia Sting in the 2010 CHL Import Draft.  Mikhail Grigorenko of the Quebec Remparts was also selected in the first round at number 12 to the Buffalo Sabres, followed closely by Radek Faksa of the Kitchener Rangers who went at 13 to the Dallas Stars.  Grigorenko was chosen second overall by the Remparts last season, with Faksa picked at number 22 by the Rangers the same season.

The 2012 CHL Import Draft can be followed online as well as on tablet and mobile devices at www.chlimportdraft.com