LOS ANGELES — When the San Jose Sharks picked Haoxi (Simon) Wang 33rd overall, he became the third Chinese-born player to be selected into the NHL.
Not only that, but at No. 33, Wang is the highest picked Chinese-born player in NHL History. The 6’6 defenseman’s journey to the NHL is a special one. He didn’t start playing hockey until he was 14. Because of that, Wang knows he needs to work extra hard.
“I’m just getting started. I never really knew this game, how it’s supposed to be played, until [I was] 14. I’m always the underdog. Always have distance to catch up,” Wang said. “I still have that hunger in me. I have drive that [I have] to get better every single day to catch up to them. That’s why I’m probably one of the most unique guys in the draft class right now.”
The first time Wang saw an NHL game was in Los Angeles when he was 10—a full-circle moment, given that the NHL Draft is being hosted in LA in 2025. The new San Jose Sharks prospect said the LA Kings played the Calgary Flames.
“I came here when I was 10. My brother and I, we went on a little trip here from Los Angeles and San Francisco,” Wang said. “I watched the LA Kings play against the Flames. Pretty sick moment, but I fell asleep. I couldn’t even finish the whole game.”
After talking about this moment, Wang appeared to have an extra moment of pride. He said “wow” to the group, as if in a pure realization of the moment.
Wang told Brodie Brazil that he “a nieve belief in my self that I am going to pro one day and make my family proud.”
The Sharks’ d-man wants to inspire the next generation of Chinese hockey players
The new San Jose Sharks prospect has an intense drive to be successful. Not only on the ice, but back home in China.
“It’s definitely special. I hope I’ve inspired a lot of kids back home. Hopefully, one day my record gets broken again, someone goes in the first round, maybe top 10. That’s probably the ultimate goal for Chinese hockey,” Wang said. “I think there’ll definitely be someone that is going to make a huge impact on the game.”
Wang carries himself with imense pride and passion for the game of hockey. He started his draft year playing Junior A before eventually moving up to the OHL to play with the Oshawa Generals.
Wang said he’s played against fellow San Jose Sharks defense prospect Sam Dickinson. He also became good friends with Sharks’ 30th overall pick Josh Ravensbergen.
“It’s just unreal [that our] friendship can continue going on. I think it’s meant to be as well,” Wang said about he and Raensbergen. “Meeting him at the combine, getting really close with him, we really wanted to get drafted at the same place. I am so excited for our friendship in the future.”
Wang was with his mother during the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, but his brother’s flight didn’t arrive in time. However, Wang got to share the moment of him getting drafted with his brother, who made it for day two.
The San Jose Sharks acquired a raw talent prospect who demonstrates confidence, humility, and a passion for the game.
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