Recently, 17-year-old Beijing-born Simon Wang made history as the highest-drafted Chinese player in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born to a family that’s got ice in their veins, Simon first laced up his skates at one of the city’s few ice rinks, when the sport was still growing in popularity. His early years were spent balancing school and hockey, often practicing late into the night after the public rinks had emptied.
China isn’t known as a hockey powerhouse, but Simon’s talent was impossible to ignore. By his early teens, he was dominating local competitions, catching the attention of scouts who saw his potential. At 12 years old, he made the life-changing decision to move to Canada, where he could train at a higher level and pursue his NHL dream.
Wang’s transition to North American hockey wasn’t easy – new culture, faster play, tougher competition – but he adapted quickly. After honing his skills in British Columbia’s junior leagues, he became a standout defenseman for the Vancouver Giants.
On Jun 28, Simon made history as the highest-drafted player born in China when the San Jose Sharks selected him with the first pick of the second round of the NHL draft. He’s the third ever Chinese player to be drafted by the NHL, but he’s confident he won’t be the last.
“It’s an unreal moment for my family, for hockey in China,” Wang said. “Just a really surreal moment, a dream-come-true moment. … I hope I’ve inspired a lot of kids back home.”
For young players in Beijing looking to follow in Simon’s footsteps, here are some of the best places to train and play:
Capital Indoor Stadium 首都体育馆冰场
Find it:
56 Zhongguancun Nandajie, Haidian District
北京市海淀区中关村南大街56号
Tel: 6833 5552
Beijing Aoyuan Ice Sports Center 北京奥众冰上运动中心
Find it:
12 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路12号
Tel: 8437 2996
Shougang Ice Hockey Arena 首钢冰球馆
Find it:
Shougang Industrial Park, Shijingshan District
北京市石景山区首钢工业园内
Tel: 8829 5555
Joy City Champion Ice Rink 朝阳大悦城冠军冰场
Find it:
6/F, Joy City Mall, 101 Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang District
北京市朝阳区朝阳北路101号朝阳大悦城6层
Tel: 8556 2466
Le Cool Ice Rink 国贸Le Cool冰场
Find it:
B2/F, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
北京市朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城B2层
Tel: 6505 5776
Wukesong Ice Sports Center 华熙LIVE冰上中心
Find it:
69 Fuxing Lu, Haidian District
北京市海淀区复兴路69号
Tel: 6815 9111
If your child is trying it out for the first time, there’s no need to hit up Decathlon for a whole set of equiptment just yet. Most rinks will offer skate rentals for around RMB 100 an hour, and beginner places will have hockey gear you can borrow. Pick the rink that’s most convenient, but keep in mind that Joy City or Le Cool both offer beginner programs that are well loved by parents.
Images: Freepik, ESPN
