Simon Wang was selected by the San Jose Sharks as the first pick in the second round of the NHL draft, making him the highest-drafted player born in China. Wang's journey began in Beijing and transitioned through Toronto, where he developed his hockey skills. He expresses hope that his achievement inspires young players in China and acknowledges the growth of hockey in his home country, noting that he aspires to follow in the footsteps of established NHL defensemen. Wang's rapid skill development surprised many scouts just before the draft.
It's an unreal moment for my family, for hockey in China. Just a really surreal moment, a dream-come-true moment. ... I hope I've inspired a lot of kids back home.
Hopefully one day my record will get broken again. Someone will go in the first round, even top 10. I think there will definitely be someone that's going to make a huge impact on the game.
Seeing so many scouts in the Junior A barn, it just started hitting me. ... I thought I was going undrafted, to be honest with you. But it happened for a reason.
I aspire to be an imposing two-way defenseman in the mold of Victor Hedman or Colton Parayko.
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