NOTABLE EXCEPTION
Shane Wright, given the chance to get an early start on the OHL, joins a small group that includes Connor McDavid and John Tavares,
Shane Wright is already noticing the differences now that his name is in the same conversation as NHL star Connor McDavid.
The 15-year-old Wright became just the sixth player in history to be granted early entry into the Canadian Hockey League on March 8 under the exceptional-player rule, and on Wednesday the stands were full for his minor-midget AAA game in north Toronto, with some fans sticking around to try to meet the phenom in the making.
“It’s a little weird but it’s cool, doing interviews, signing autographs,” Wright said, joking that he had been practising autographs at home, “making sure they’re all right.”
Wright, who plays with the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Don Mills Flyers, is expected to go No. 1 at the upcoming Ontario Hockey League draft after being made eligible by Hockey Canada and the Ontario Hockey Federation.
The Burlington native produced 66 goals and150 points in 72 games this season with the Flyers while also captaining Ontario to a silver medal at the Canada Games in February.
“There’s a lot of things that make him exceptional,” said Marc Slawson, who has coached Wright for three seasons. “Obviously Hockey Canada and OHF are saying his fundamental skills, skating, passing, vision, work ethic, 200-foot game (are at) another level and I agree with that.
“What people don’t see is Shane is one of the best highcharacter kids you’re gonna meet. He brings it all. In terms of the status, it’s a no-brainer for us.”
The centre doesn’t stand out physically for his age, which has helped him become what he is The six-foot, 180-pounder has had to focus on his skills rather than rely on a physical edge like so many teenage players do.
“My strength is my brain, hockey ability, the way I think the game,” Wright said.
Slawson said Wright’s maturity gives him an edge, adding he “clearly he plays with another gear. Not to say other players can’t skate as well or don’t have the (shot) release, but he’s a five-tool package ... a complete package.”
Wright applied for exceptional player status in December. While his dominance on the ice is evident, he wouldn’t have been given the approval to play in the OHL unless Hockey Canada and the OHF considered him to be mentally ready for playing with other skaters as old as 20.
He says he understands that being labelled exceptional won’t make his life any easier when he joins the OHL, and that the demand on a player being compared to a15-year-old McDavid will likely never go away.
Wright spoke to Slawson early on in the season on how to deal with the extra eyes in the stands, including scouts.
“Obviously it’s pressure playing as a 15-year-old in the OHL but I’m not thinking about it,” said Wright, who grew up a Sidney Crosby fan but now says Mathew Barzal is his favourite NHL player to watch. “I just want to have fun. My whole life I’ve played up in age and was kind of ahead of the curve.”
He will have be ready for a different type of pressure, Slawson said. “Quite frankly a lot of people want to see him fail or will judge him in a different light. I wouldn’t want the pressure personally but, if anyone can handle it, it’s Shane.”
John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, McDavid and Sean Day received exceptional-player status in the OHL, while Joe Veleno is the lone Quebec league player to have earned the distinction. The Western Hockey League has not yet had a player under the rule.
McDavid went No.1to the Erie Otters in 2012, leaving then team owner Sherry Bassin a happy man.
“I’m absolutely in favour of (exceptional player status) because there are exceptional players,” Bassin said.
“McDavid’s proven that. I went to see him play in October of that season, my dog Newman travelled everywhere with me and after two shifts he yanked on the chain and said, ‘Let’s get out of here, we’ve seen enough.’ ” The Kingston Frontenacs have the inside track at Wright with the first overall pick at the next OHL draft. The Frontenacs are last in the league with 30 points and won’t be able to catch Flint, the closest team to them, after the Firebirds beat Windsor on Thursday.
Tavares, Ekblad, and McDavid went first overall in OHL and NHL drafts. Day was picked fourth in the OHL draft and in the third round (81st overall) of the NHL draft, while Veleno was first overall in the QMJHL draft and 30th overall at the NHL draft.
“I just want to have fun. My whole life I’ve played up in age and was kind of ahead of the curve.” SHANE WRIGHT TOP OHL DRAFT PROSPECT