A Promising Journey
At 6‑foot‑5, Haoxi (Simon) Wang entered the 2025 Draft as one of the most physically imposing defensemen available, catching the attention of the San Jose Sharks. The organization sees his size as a unique asset that could translate into a distinctive defensive style at the highest level of professional hockey.
Wang spent the previous season split between the Oshawa Generals and the Niagara IceDogs, posting six goals and 26 points in 57 games. A mid‑season trade from Oshawa to Niagara proved challenging, but the move opened new opportunities and allowed him to adapt to a different competitive environment.
Under the guidance of coaches Todd Marchant and former NHL defenseman Luca Sbisa, Wang received detailed feedback that helped refine his positioning and decision‑making. Their support was instrumental in building his confidence heading into the next development camp.
Representing Team China at the D1B World Championship was a career‑defining moment for Wang. He embraced the chance to showcase his defensive acumen, shooting precision and puck‑placement skills on an international stage, even breaking a tournament record in the process.
Looking ahead, Wang will enroll at Boston University, where he hopes to further polish his game and prepare for the professional ranks. His ultimate goal is to become the first Chinese defenseman to play in the NHL, a milestone that fuels his daily training and strategic focus.
Off the ice, teammate Andrew Gibson has been a mentor, helping Wang adjust to the pressures of North American junior hockey and develop leadership qualities that he hopes to carry into his collegiate career.