Sports

Simon Wang makes history as NHL’s highest-drafted Chinese player

Simon Wang, a 17-year-old defenceman from the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals, made history on Saturday morning at the Peacock Theater. The San Jose Sharks selected him with the first pick of the NHL draft’s second round, making him the highest-selected Chinese player in the league at No. 33 overall. Wang, standing at six-foot-six and weighing 222 pounds, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a “dream-come-true moment.”

Wang’s journey to this point has been long and winding. He started playing hockey in Beijing at the age of four but eventually moved to Canada for better competition. His mother, Willa, bought a junior-A team in Brantford, Ont., and relocated it to Nobleton, where Wang began to flourish as a player. Despite facing challenges and being considered an underdog, Wang remained determined and focused on improving his skills every day.

Having only started truly understanding the game at the age of 14, Wang’s growth and development have been impressive. He started this season in junior-A before moving on to the OHL with the Generals, where he continued to learn and adapt to the sport. Wang’s commitment to attending Boston University in the NCAA shows his dedication to furthering his education and hockey career.

The NHL draft saw other notable picks, including Alexander Zharovsky going to the Montreal Canadiens at No. 34, Alexei Medvedev to the Vancouver Canucks at No. 47, and Theo Stockselius to the Calgary Flames at No. 54. The Toronto Maple Leafs made their first pick of the draft with Tinus Luc Koblar at No. 64. The Ottawa Senators also made significant moves, acquiring defenceman Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings.

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In the later rounds, teams continued to make selections, with each pick contributing to the future of the league. The Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Winnipeg Jets all made multiple picks as they built their rosters for the upcoming season.

Overall, the NHL draft was a showcase of talent and potential, with players like Simon Wang paving the way for diversity and inclusion in the sport. As Wang looks ahead to his future in hockey, he hopes to inspire other young athletes and make a lasting impact on the game. With his determination and drive, there’s no doubt that Wang has a bright future ahead of him in the NHL.

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