Achi news desk-
The Western Hockey League (WHL) is set to present its newest “outstanding player” on Monday in Calgary.
The player will be officially introduced during an event at the Alt Hotel in Calgary’s University District.
Although WHL officials have not officially confirmed it, it is widely believed that 14-year-old Landon Dupont, with the Edge School under-18 team, will be named.
The last WHL player to receive the status was Connor Bedard of the Regina Pats.
Bedard was 15 at the time and went on to be selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Exceptional status gives younger players the opportunity to join the WHL a year early.
Although the junior will be the second WHL player to be recognized, eight other Canadian hockey players have been given the status, including Bedard:
- 2022: Michael Misa, center;
- 2020: Connor Bedard, center;
- 2019: Shane Wright, center;
- 2015: Joe Veleno, center/left wing;
- 2013: Sean Day, defender;
- 2012: Connor McDavid, center;
- 2011: Aaron Ekblad, defenseman; a duck
- 2005: John Tavares, center.
