Kevin He isn’t simply one other hockey prospect. When the Winnipeg Jets drafted him 109th general in 2024, he grew to become the very best China-born participant ever chosen. When Jets basic supervisor Kevin Cheveldayoff signed him, he grew to become the primary to signal an NHL contract. That alone makes him a trailblazer. However his story isn’t nearly breaking floor for Chinese language hockey. It’s a couple of child who’s taken a winding journey—from Beijing to Montreal to Niagara—and who now sits on the sting of constructing NHL historical past.
It’s a uncommon feat for Niagara College alumni to achieve the NHL—solely Sean Bentivoglio, who performed a single sport for the New York Islanders in 2008–09, and Matt Ryan, who suited up for 12 video games with the LA Kings in 2005–06, have carried out so. Insofar as our analysis suggests, Ryan is the one Niagara participant to document an NHL level, racking up a single help.
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Listed here are seven cool issues about Kevin He.
Cool Factor 1. He Is Breaking Floor for Chinese language Hockey
The second He was drafted, he made historical past. Born in Beijing, he’s the primary China-born participant to signal an NHL contract, and the very best ever drafted. That’s not only a private milestone—it’s a breakthrough for Chinese language hockey. The NHL has been trying to find methods to develop the sport in China, and He’s rise places an actual face on that dream.
Cool Factor 2. He Moved From Beijing to the OHL
He began enjoying on outside rinks in Beijing, however by the point he was six years outdated, his household had moved to Montreal, the place he fell in love with the Canadian model of the sport for the primary time. A number of years later, he was enjoying AAA hockey in Toronto for the North York Rangers, one of the crucial rigorous youth hockey circuits round. From there, he landed with the Niagara IceDogs within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the place scouts began to take severe discover of his all-around sport.
Cool Factor 3. He’s Management Comes Naturally
By his third yr in Niagara, He wasn’t simply enjoying effectively—he was sporting the “C.” The IceDogs trusted him to guide, and he didn’t must shout to get respect. His teammates describe him as regular, composed, and dependable. He reveals up, competes, and units the tone. It’s that quiet, assured management type that always carries additional than the loud, rah-rah form.
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Cool Factor 4. He Can Rating, Too
Management is nice, however manufacturing issues. He answered that, too. In 2023–24, He racked up 75 factors in 62 video games, together with 36 objectives. He confirmed he may end performs, but additionally discover teammates in stride. His offensive sport continues to develop, and the Jets recognize his upside as a participant who can each rating and enhance these round him.
Cool Factor 5. He Is Trilingual and Nicely-Traveled
He’s not only a hockey story—he’s a world story. He speaks Mandarin, English, and French, making him trilingual earlier than his twentieth birthday. That’s helped him adapt wherever he’s gone, whether or not it was early years in Montreal, AAA in Toronto, or main a junior staff in Niagara. It additionally offers him an additional method to join with followers, teammates, and youngsters who’re following his path again to China.
Cool Factor 6. He Has Grow to be a Function Mannequin for Others
For youths in China—or anyplace hockey isn’t the primary sport on the listing—his path is proof the NHL isn’t out of attain. He is aware of he’s carrying that accountability, however he doesn’t make it about strain. As a substitute, he treats it like a chance. He’s already displaying youngsters which you could come from exterior the normal hockey hotbeds and nonetheless make it in the event you work laborious sufficient.
Cool Factor 7. He’s Work Ethic Runs Deep
Discuss to coaches just like the Jets’ Scott Arniel, and the phrase you’ll maintain listening to is “dedication.” He doesn’t minimize corners, he doesn’t assume something is owed to him, and he’s at all times the primary one on the ice for drills. That’s what bought him from Beijing rinks to the OHL, and what’s going to finally get him to the NHL. Talent opens the door, however work ethic retains it open—and He has each.
What’s Subsequent for Kevin He?
At simply 19, He nonetheless has rising to do, however there’s already buzz in Winnipeg that he may push for a bottom-six function earlier than anticipated. Perhaps at some point quickly, Jets’ followers will see him lining up beside Adam Lowry. He sees the sport effectively, makes sensible choices underneath strain, and has the form of poise that coaches belief. Even when his first NHL minutes are available in a restricted function, his upside stretches additional than that.
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Off the ice, his affect may very well be simply as vital. He’s not simply representing himself—he’s representing a brand new chapter for hockey in China. If he succeeds, it may spark curiosity within the sport throughout a rustic with huge potential. For Winnipeg, which means a participant who brings each talent and worldwide attraction. For the league, it’s a glimpse of the longer term.
He doesn’t should be loud about it. He doesn’t must make daring guarantees. Kevin He’s doing what he’s at all times carried out—displaying up, working laborious, and letting the outcomes communicate for themselves. Jets followers? They’ll be watching carefully.
[Note: I’d like to thank Brent Bradford (PhD) for his help co-authoring this post. His profile can be found at www.linkedin.com/in/brent-bradford-phd-3a10022a9]
