Wang Haoxi taken 33rd by San Jose Sharks to become highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history

Wang Haoxi of China was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round, with the 33rd overall pick, at the NHL Draft in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday. The selection makes him the highest-drafted Chinese player in National Hockey League history.

The 18-year-old Wang, who goes by the English name Simon, stands 1.98 meters tall. The Beijing-born defenseman, who started playing ice hockey at the age of four, helped lead his native city to the youth group title at this year's Harbin Asian Winter Games.

He also attended the NHL's rookie training camp in June. Wang said he hopes Chinese ice hockey can continue to improve in the aftermath his selection.

"First of all, I'm very thankful for all the support from China," Wang said. "I hope China's hockey development to be better and better. I hope more Chinese hockey players can be drafted to the NHL and make more histories. I will keep improving myself, and work hard in my trainings, and play on the NHL ice as soon as possible."