Chinese-born Jets prospect Kevin He achieves historic OHL-first

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Axel Williams
October 22, 2024 (6:01 PM)

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Kevin He is the highest Chinese-born hockey player to ever be drafted into the NHL, as it was the Winnipeg Jets who took him with the 109th overall pick in the 2024 Entry Draft.

This season, He is playing in the Ontario Hockey League with the Niagara Ice Dogs and in the first nine games of the season, he has been tearing up. He already has nine goals and nine assists, which is music to the ears of the Jets. He is clearly very dedicated to improving and it would appear as though he wants to show the world that players from Asia can have long, fruitful, and successful careers.

In fact, He's efforts have been so immense and undeniable, that his team has officially rewarded him. The Ice Dogs named Kevin He as their captain. He now becomes the first-ever Chinese-born captain in the history of Canadian Junior hockey. It is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

If anything, this accomplishment shows that hockey has grown significantly over the last few decades. It is definitely a global game, however, Europe and North America have mostly dominated the sport. Now, it feels like more and more countries are getting involved. For instance, Kenya was recently granted membership into the IIHF.

Either way, we wish He the best of luck in his new role with the Ice Dogs. This must be a truly incredible moment for the young man. You work so hard for your young life and this is the reward. It is one that is very much deserved.

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