Simon Wang: china’s Hockey Prodigy Eyes NHL Draft History
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China, is poised to make NHL draft history. His unique journey and rapid development have captured the attention of scouts.">
los Angeles-Simon Wang,a 6-foot-6 defenseman from China,is on the cusp of making history at the upcoming NHL draft. Wang’s meteoric rise in the hockey world,despite starting relatively late at age 4,has scouts buzzing about his potential and unique skill set. His journey from beijing to North American junior leagues could culminate in him becoming the highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history.
From Beijing Rinks to NHL Dreams
Wang’s love affair with hockey began in one of Beijing’s few ice arenas. After a friend introduced him to the sport, he was immediately captivated. “From the moment I saw them playing, somthing clicked inside me,” Wang told NHL scouts. He quickly dedicated himself to the sport, practicing four to five times a week.
Recognizing the limited opportunities in China, Wang convinced his parents to allow him to move to Toronto at age 12 to pursue his hockey aspirations. Canada boasts substantially more hockey infrastructure, with 2,860 indoor skating rinks compared to China’s 104 arenas serving a population of 1.4 billion,according to the International ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) [1].
Did You Know? Canada has over 50 times more indoor ice rinks than China, despite having a population less than 3% the size.
Rapid Development in North America
Upon arriving in Canada, Wang faced a steep learning curve, playing against more experienced and organized competition. He credits Joe, the father of his advisor, John Walters, with playing a crucial role in his development. “After each match, he gave me his advice, raising the positive as the negative. he was a mentor for me. And it was from this moment that my game started to skyrocket.”
In 2023, wang was drafted by the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the 5th round. To maintain his NCAA eligibility, he joined the Brantford 99ers, a junior club owned by his mother, Willa. His coach at the time, Mark Joslin, noted Wang’s initial rawness but recognized his immense potential. “He was trying to do to much… He had difficulty adjusting to the simplicity of the game,” Joslin recalled.
Change and OHL Debut
Wang’s transformation was evident upon his return to the team. Joslin described it as “day and night,” noting his increased physicality and dominance on the ice. After 38 games with the 99ers, Wang joined the Oshawa Generals, making his OHL debut.
While his offensive output in the OHL was modest, scouts where intrigued by his raw talent and unique combination of size and skating ability. elite Prospects noted that Wang is “just starting to find his marks on the ice and learn to influence the game,” further stating that his 6-foot-6 frame and remarkable skating stroke strengthen his ultimate project profile.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Wang’s development in the coming years. His combination of size and skating ability is rare and could make him a valuable asset to any NHL team.
NHL Draft Projections
The NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranks Wang 34th among North American skaters, suggesting he could be a second- or third-round pick, or even a first-round selection for a team willing to take a chance on his potential.Two Chinese players have been drafted into the NHL before: Kevin He by the Winnipeg Jets in the fourth round (109th overall) in 2024 and Andong Song by the New York Islanders in the sixth round (172nd overall) in 2015.
Wang remains grounded despite the attention. “When I arrived here at 12, I very naively believed that I was going to succeed… But here I am now here, and I do not hold anything for granted.”
Simon Wang’s Key Stats
| League | Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists | points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OJHL | Brantford 99ers/Kingston | 38 | 4 | 18 | 22 |
| OHL | Oshawa Generals | 32 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| OHL Playoffs | Oshawa Generals | 21 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
Will Simon wang’s unique journey inspire more young hockey players in China? What NHL team do you think would be the best fit for his skillset?
The Growth of Hockey in China
Hockey’s popularity in China has been steadily growing, fueled by the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. While the country still faces challenges in terms of infrastructure and player development, the success of players like Simon Wang can serve as an inspiration for future generations. The Chinese Ice Hockey Association is actively working to promote the sport at the grassroots level and increase participation among young peopel [2].
Frequently Asked Questions About Simon Wang
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