From Beijing's Ice to the NHL, a Trailblazer for Chinese Hockey

Wang Haoxi participated in an open training session in Beijing on July 25, 2025. He meticulously donned his ice hockey gear, a routine he had followed since the age of four.

Fourteen years after first stepping onto the ice, Wang, a young hockey player, celebrated his 18th birthday by leading his Beijing teammates to victory in the China's national under-18 ice hockey championship on July 21. He was also recognized as the tournament's Best Defenseman. Wang, a Beijing native born in 2007, expressed his joy at the opportunity to inspire other Chinese children to pursue their own sporting passions. Prior to this championship, Wang had also contributed to the Beijing team's victory in the youth category at the National Winter Games in 2024.

Wang, also known as Simon Wang, gained significant recognition in Chinese ice hockey when he was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. This made him the highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history. Overwhelmed by the moment, Wang described it as "surreal." He was ranked No. 34 in NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters.

Before Wang, only one other Chinese player had been drafted into the NHL. Wang expressed his dream come true and his hope to inspire young athletes back home. Following his open classes in Beijing on July 22, he was surrounded by young fans eager for autographs. Wang emphasized the importance of enjoying ice hockey.

Wang's passion for ice hockey began with a close friend in kindergarten. As his skills developed, his simple joy evolved into a competitive drive. In 2019, at the age of 12, Wang moved to Toronto to pursue his ice hockey dream. He adapted to a new culture and built connections through the sport. With experience gained from numerous games each year, he began to believe he could become a professional.

Wang's ambition was to win every game. He credited the fear of not being good enough as his daily motivation. He highlighted his ability to integrate his height with his skating skills as a unique strength. He emphasized the importance of confidence. During his last U18 tournament, Wang shared his experience and confidence with his teammates. He expressed his readiness to play for Beijing and the Chinese ice hockey team.

Wang has been accepted to Boston University and plans to spend another year in the Ontario Hockey League before moving to the NCAA Division I. He understands the challenges ahead. He aims to establish himself in the NHL, become a top defenseman, and contribute to Chinese ice hockey. He hopes to inspire children in China to believe that a Chinese player can achieve stardom in the NHL. A young player, sharing the same ice hockey dream, waited for Wang to finish an interview, hoping to get his autograph and take photos.