Simon Wang`s path in hockey has led him to the San Jose Sharks.
Originating from Beijing, he was chosen by San Jose as the 33rd overall pick in the second round during the NHL Draft held Saturday in Los Angeles.
The 17-year-old Wang spent his childhood in China, later relocating to Toronto at age 12 to chase his hockey ambitions. He becomes just the third player born in China to be drafted into the NHL.
Standing six-foot-five and weighing 215 pounds, the defenseman began skating at age four and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
Although he registered only two assists in 32 games for the OHL`s Oshawa Generals last season, his blend of skating ability and physical stature has greatly impressed scouts.
At the draft combine in June, he commented, “Many players in this draft might be ahead of me currently, but what`s truly exciting about me is my potential and the player I can grow into.”
Jason Bukala, an analyst for Sportsnet, ranked Wang as the 64th prospect overall and anticipates he will develop into a defenseman for the bottom defensive pair.
Bukala noted, “He requires development time, but his fundamental skills make him an appealing prospect at this stage of the draft.”
