Shane Wright: Next NHL Superstar

By: Clare McManus

On March 8th, 2019, 15 year old Shane Wright was granted exceptional status for the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Only four other players have been granted this status into the OHL; John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid and Sean Day.  Before granted for exceptional status, Wright’s 2018-19 season with the Don Mills Flyers Midgets was insane. He posted 66 goals and 84 assists for 150 points in 72 games.  He would soon be drafted first overall by the Kingston Frontenacs.

Already in his first Ontario Hockey League season, Wright has 34 goals and 26 assists for 60 points in 50 games with the Kingston Frontenacs. He is also the current goal and point leader for the Frontenacs. 

This year, he was also named alternate captain for the Kingston Frontenacs. He is the youngest player to be named a captain in the OHL. 

Let’s see some of his highlights:

Here Wright shows his quick speed and puck skills through the neutral zone into the offensive zone leading to a quality goal. While going full speed, he does well controlling the pass and taking the puck into open space.

On this goal, Wright skates up ice with his teammate who is carrying the puck. Because everyone is caught looking at the puck carrier, Wright escapes from traffic and is able to find the rebound for a goal. He is definitely displaying some smart hockey sense. 

Here Wright shows his patience with the puck. He notices he has time so he finds his opening and fires the puck perfectly on net for a great goal. 

On this play, Wright shows his playmaking skills. He gets the puck in the corner and cycles back to see his options. When he saw his teammate coming through the middle, he knew it would be a great opportunity. Because everyone was watching Wright with the puck, nobody noticed the trailer coming through the middle of the ice  and Wright made a great decision to make that pass. 

In all, Wright is a young stud who has incredible hockey abilities. He has amazing acceleration and speed while also having silky hands. With his lethal shot he can pick corners perfectly. Wright also has a high hockey IQ making very smart passes and he does well picking up rebounds.

Shane Wright is NHL draft eligible in 2022. He is a guy to watch out for. He has the potential to be an elite or even franchise changing player in the National Hockey League one day.