Greater Vancouver Canadians rookie standout Trevor Wong made his debut with the Kelowna Rockets Saturday night just hours after signing with the Western Hockey League club.
The 15-year-old sharpshooter was in the line-up in a 4-3 overtime win over Prince George at Prospera Place. It was one of five games he was eligible to play in as an underage player after being the Rockets’ first round pick — 18th overall — in last May’s WHL Bantam Draft.
Wong has opted to go the major junior route after initially making a verbal agreement to play at the NCAA Division One level at the University of Denver. That would have meant a stint in the B.C. Junior Hockey League before heading south.
“We are thrilled that Trevor and his family have decided to commit to the Kelowna Rockets and the Western Hockey League,” said Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton. “I congratulate our scouts, for selecting Trevor in last year’s Bantam Draft. He is truly a special player and even better young man, we look forward to watching his career unfold. ”
The 5-foot-8 135-pound speedster has 11 points, including four goals, with the Canadians so far in 10 regular season games.
Last season he recorded 64 goals and 77 assists for 141 points in just 30 games with St. George’s School Bantam Varsity academy team. He also added five goals and 18 assists in five post-season games.
“It’s an exciting moment for me. I’ve thought about this decision really hard, and I’m happy to be a Rocket,” said Wong. “When I came to training camp in the summer, I was here for about a week and loved everything about Kelowna. Just looking at their past, I’m excited to be a part of their future.”
The Canadians had a bye this weekend and return to action Thursday against the Valley West Giants at the Langley Events Centre. The back half of the home-and-home series will be Nov. 7 at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
The regional rep team currently owns a 5-4-0-1 record.
