Winnipeg Jets prospect, Austin Wong decided to leave his Ivy League school to play with in the USHL to get some gametime.
While some Winnipeg Jets NCAA prospects, including Nathan Smith and Jared Moe, are getting their season’s underway, some other college players will not have seasons this year.
One player whose season is cancelled is Austin Wong. Wong was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and was about to begin his sophomore season at Harvard University. In his freshmen season, the twenty year old four goals, six assists, 18 penalty minutes and was a -1 in 21 games played.
Wong was definitely looking to contribute more to the Crimson, but unfortunately he will not get a chance to suit up for them. Last month, the Ivy League decided to cancel all winter sports, due to the pandemic.
This left many players without the opportunity to play. The one positive for Wong is he is young enough to still have junior eligibility. So, he decided to return to juniors and play in the USHL for the Fargo Force. The Force drafted Wong in the USHL draft in 2018.
In USHL play so far this year Wong has two goals, two assists, a +4 plus/minus, and two penalties in six games. This is Wong’s first time competing in the USHL and so far its been so good at the beginning of the campaign.
This is a good hockey move for Wong. It is key for a young player’s development that they get plenty of ice time and obviously he would not be able to see any ice if he stayed at Harvard. Wong will look to perform well with the Force to earn a contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you think Austin Wong made the smart move to apply his trade in the USHL? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by Elite Prospects*