Wang Haoxi takes part in an open training session on July 25, 2025 in Beijing. Photo: Li Hao/GT

First a base layer, padding, and an outer layer, Wang Haoxi is wearing the ice hockey gear, one piece at a time, and finishes with the helmet and gloves, something he has done numerous times since he was 4 years old when he first stood on the ice. 

Fourteen years later, the young hockey player held a trophy in his hands as he and his Beijing teammates anchored China's national under-18 ice hockey championship title on July 21 as the best way to celebrate his 18th birthday which fell on Sunday. Wang was also named the tournament's Best Defenseman.

"My story with ice hockey can be heard by more Chinese kids, who will find their own roads with their favorite sports," the 2007-born Beijing native told the Global Times, explaining that "this is the reason why I am extremely happy despite being very tired."

Before winning the national under-18 championship, Wang also contributed to the Beijing team which won the youth category title at the National Winter Games in 2024. 

New hope 

Wang, who also goes by Simon Wang, became a popular name in Chinese ice hockey just weeks ago, as he was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, becoming the highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history.

Hearing his name being called, Wang said the moment felt "surreal" and that he almost cried. "I tried to just soak in the moment and stay present," he said. 

Wang is No.34 in NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters. 

"Simon is an interesting prospect," Central Scouting's Nick Smith was quoted as saying by the official website of the NHL. "His skating, footwork, and edges are remarkable for a player his size." 

Before this summer, only one Chinese player had ever been drafted into the NHL - fellow Beijing native Song Andong, who went 172nd overall in the 2015 draft.

"It's an unreal moment for my family and for ice hockey in China. A dream-come-true," Wang said. "I hope I've inspired a lot of kids back home."

And it did happen. 

He was crowded with young kids, calling him "elder brother Haoxi" and asking for autographs after his open classes in Beijing on July 22. 

"I told them right from the start, 'This is my first time coaching, but I really enjoy the time training with you all,'" said Wang. "What I want to tell them is that enjoying ice hockey is the most important thing."

Thanks to a close kindergarten friend, he fell in love with ice hockey and started to train together with the friend. 

As Wang grew older and his skills sharpened, that simple joy transformed into something more competitive. By the time he was 12, Wang decided to fly to Toronto in 2019 to pursue his ice hockey dream. 

"It was tough but necessary as adapting was a long process," he admitted. "The culture was different, and I couldn't understand the jokes my teammates made at first. But ice hockey became my way of connecting with friends. And I made it."

With those overseas experiences including 30 to 50 games a year, he started to feel like he "could be a pro," and decided to take the professional path. 

He admitted that his ambition in the game was to never lose. 

"I wanted to win every single game," Wang said. "Honestly, the fear of not being good enough pushes me every day to get better." 

"My best technical feature is integrating my height with my skating skills. This is a very unique skill - few tall players can skate as well as I do," the defenseman commented on his own strength. 

"I believe in my abilities and don't care about others' opinions. Confidence is my secret."

Back home for his last U18 tournament, Wang did more than compete, but sharing experience and confidence. 

"I want to practice and exchange skills with my teammates, and also share what I have learned with young players. I am always ready to play for my hometown Beijing and the Chinese ice hockey team."

Wang Haoxi lifts a trophy during a San Jose Sharks event on July 4, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Wang Haoxi

More to learn

Wang has been admitted to Boston University and plans to spend another year in the Ontario Hockey League before moving to the NCAA Division I. From there, the path to the NHL is clear, but he knows it won't be easy.

"As a defenseman, I need more time to learn and grow," Wang said. "It was just a start, not the end. I want to establish my name in the NHL, become one of the best defensemen on my team, and contribute to Chinese ice hockey. I want children in China to see that a Chinese player can be a star in the NHL."  

Sitting quietly in the locker room, a ten-something young player waited for his "elder brother Haoxi" to finish an interview with the Global Times, hoping to get Wang's autograph and take photos with him. He has a same ice-hocky dream with Wang.