The Ontario Hockey Federation granted exceptional player status to 15-year-old Shane Wright. He’s now eligible for the Ontario Hockey League Priority Draft slated for April 6. Wirght is now the fifth Ontario-based player to earn this special distinction.
Exceptional Player Status 👍@OHFHockey announces @HockeyCanada’s decision to grant Shane Wright eligibility for the 2019 #OHLDraft.
DETAILS: https://t.co/52YPbyJwzq pic.twitter.com/QG9ECwf750
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 8, 2019
The Ontario Hockey Federation oversaw the process with a Hockey Canada Special Evaluation Panel.
Shane Wright Granted Exceptional Player Status
The 6-foot, 183 pound forward joins John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid and Sean Day. These players were all given exceptional player status in the province. The only player given the status in Quebec is Joe Veleno. Tavares, Ekblad and McDavid all got taken first overall in the OHL Priority Selection Drafts and later in the NHL Draft.
Wright scored 66 goals and 84 assists for 150 points in 72 games for the Don Mills Flyers Midget AAA team of the GTHL. He also led Team Ontario to a silver medal at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. He provided six goals and six assists for 12 points in six games.
“This has been a goal of mine for quite some time and I am excited to take on this challenge,” said Wright in a statement. “There are many people that I would like to thank including my parents, my sister, my extended family, coaches, teachers and most importantly my teammates.”
What It Means for the Future
One lucky OHL club will have a chance to land a player that can be a top talent. “His constant success both in the classroom and on the ice has demonstrated that Shane Wright is well deserving to be among those who have been granted status in the past,” said OHF Executive Director Phillip McKee.
Wright will continue his season with the 2019 OHL Cup and the U16 OHL Gold Cup. The Flint Generals and the Kingston Frontenacs are in the mix to get Wright.
OHL Priority Selection Draft logo. (OHL)
