Hurlabrick

Beer discussion after a hockey game, but curious. What visa / PR route do teams use to get overseas hockey players into Canada?? Can't be LMIA - no one in Canada can play that position??? Not likely!

Siouxie

There's a route for being internationally known in your profession when it comes to sports / theatre / music etc., I believe (for work permits). Types of work permits for your situation

They are exempt from requiring LMIA _ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...ia-exempt.html
Also:

You're a professional athlete or coach

You may be eligible for an employer-specific work permit if Canadians would also be able to work as professional athletes or coaches in your home country.
You must:

• be a professional athlete or coach for a Canadian team, and
• meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit.

For PR apparently there's a self employed route/EE as well for those that can make a significant contribution..

• taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or
• been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/eligibility.html