Simon Wang: A Dream Come True for Chinese Hockey
Simon Wang made history by being selected by the San Jose Sharks as the first pick of the second round of the NHL draft. This moment marks a milestone for hockey in China, and Wang is sure that his achievement will be surpassed in the future.The 6-foot-5-inch defenseman was selected in the 33rd position, while the NHL concluded its decentralized draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The New York Islanders started the draft on Friday, choosing defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick. The Wang family moved from Beijing to Toronto when he was 12 years old to boost his career. Wang attended the NHL China Games and became fascinated with the sport, which has grown steadily in China. Wang is only the third player born in China to be drafted by the NHL, but he knows he won’t be the last. Kevin He was drafted 109th by the Winnipeg Jets last year, and Andong Song was chosen 172nd by the New York Islanders in 2015.It’s an unreal moment for my family and for hockey in China. It’s a dream come true. I hope I have inspired many children at home.
Simon Wang
His real name is Haoxi Wang, but he plans to use Simon during his hockey career because “it’s simpler for North Americans”. Wang is a physical specimen with a lot of growth potential. His development in hockey accelerated in the last year, showing enough potential to attract the Sharks and other teams. Wang aspires to be an imposing defenseman in the mold of Victor Hedman or Colton Parayko. However, he didn’t generate much interest until the beginning of last season, when teams began to notice his rapidly developing skills. He soon joined the Oshawa Generals of the OHL and had even more exposure during their playoff run.I hope that one day my record will be broken. Someone will reach the first round, even the top 10. I think there will definitely be someone who will have a big impact on the game.
Simon Wang
Wang got involved in hockey as a child, but he didn’t truly embrace the game until his family took a trip to Los Angeles eight years ago. He attended a Kings game, although he fell asleep during the game, he recalls with a smile. Wang attended the Bruins-Flames game played in Beijing in 2018 and soon decided to move to Canada to boost his development. Wang walked the red carpet in Los Angeles on Friday with his mother, who boosted his career, and even bought and moved his former youth team. He also had his first opportunity in almost two years to see his brother, who was studying at Boston University, where Wang could play college hockey starting in 2026 if next year in Oshawa goes well. After a minimal player movement on Friday, several significant trades were executed on Saturday. Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson was traded to Detroit, while defenseman Jordan Spence moved from Los Angeles to Ottawa in search of more playing time. Almost all first-round prospects were present in Los Angeles, but the players in the audience decreased on the second day. The last rounds remained memorable for several attendees, including Alexis Mathieu, who was selected 136th by the Anaheim Ducks in the fifth round. Mathieu, a physical defenseman from Baie-Comeau in the QMJHL, knew he wouldn’t be a first-round pick, but his family decided to take a vacation to Southern California so Mathieu could attend the draft. His family kept him entertained with jokes as the draft stretched into the final rounds on Saturday. The group roared with excitement when Mathieu’s name was announced, and he was able to go on stage to put on the orange sweater and hat.Seeing so many scouts in the Junior A stable, it just started to hit me. The summer before the season, honestly, I thought I wouldn’t be recruited. But it happened for a reason, and I worked very hard for this. I deserve to be here.
Simon Wang
The number 223 selection was also present: Aidan Park, a product of the Los Angeles Jr. Kings system and nephew of former NHL player Richard Park. The 19-year-old center received a final standing ovation and a walk to the stage when he was chosen by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round.When I heard my name, it was something special. As they say, dreams come true. It was a bit of a vacation for us at the beginning of the week, but when I got to the city center, it was draft mode.
Alexis Mathieu
