WHL’s Tri-City Americans’ Zachary Yuen, a top Chinese NHL prospect -2011 NHL Entry Draft Updates
Zachary Yuen is hoping to become only the third player from a Chinese decent to become a part of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the history of NHL.
As the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is right around the corner, discussing the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) 18-year-old defenseman is a good way to get a sneak peak and what we can expect in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24th.
Standing 6’0 feet tall, Yuen has completed his third season with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans’ franchise with an impressive record of 36 points, including 27 assists and nine goals in 118 games in three regular seasons from 2008 to 2011. He maintained a
plus-minus rating of 49 throughout.
Yuen is well-known for his hard working performance and leadership abilities which reflects him as perfect NHL material.
"You always know he's doing the right things", Tri-City Americans’ coach, Jim Hiller, told NHL.com in an interview. "He's got leadership qualities. Nobody spends more time at the gym than him, nobody spends more time at the rink than him. His peers look
to him as a role model".
Yuen has recently graduated from high school with honours and has maintained his reputation as not only a good athlete but also a great student.
The Vancouver native played soccer and ice skating before deciding on pursuing ice hockey as a career. It was by the age of 10 that Yuen had made up his mind about pursuing a career in an ice related sport.
His passion for the sport of ice hockey has motivated him to motivate others, especially his fellow people in China to participate in the sport.
"We were open and let him try different things, so he loved hockey", Zachary’s father, Charles Yuen, said. "I guess he felt at that time, sorry Dad, I didn't pick figure skating, didn't pick soccer. I said no problem, that's what we're here for. You picked
one, and that's great. He loves it".
Zachary is a great defensive player as known by everyone who has played with him. His lean figure allows him to move fast on the ice which is always an advantage.
He consistently made the playoffs with Tri-City Americans after his induction into the team in 2008 and a career in the NHL looks bright for him.
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