IceDogs’ He signs historic contract with Jets

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club announced today they have agreed to terms with Niagara IceDogs forward Kevin He on a three-year, entry-level contract.

Selected by Niagara in the second round (25th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, He is currently playing in his third season with the IceDogs and was named team captain this season. The 18-year-old forward is second in scoring on the IceDogs with 23 goals, 20 assists, and 43 points in 29 games played this season. He has posted 130 points (75-55-130) in 159 OHL games with Niagara.

“Michele and I are thrilled for Kevin. This achievement couldn’t have happened to a more deserving player,” said Darren DeDobbelaer, Governor of the Niagara IceDogs. “Kevin leads by example both on and off the ice, and we are incredibly proud of our organization’s role in his development.”

He, Winnipeg’s fourth-round pick (109th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, is a native of Beijing, China. He was just the second Chinese-born player drafted to the NHL after Andong Song was picked by the New York Islanders in the sixth round (172nd overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft. He becomes the first Chinese-born player to sign a contract in the NHL.

HISTORY. MADE. 🗣️

The #NHLJets have signed forward Kevin He to a three-year, entry-level contract! Becoming the first Chinese-born player to sign a contract in the @NHL ✍️ pic.twitter.com/AX68TGm338

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) December 17, 2024

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