Calgary Teen Landon DuPont Granted Exceptional Player Status by Hockey Canada

CALGARY — Hockey Canada has granted exceptional player status to 14-year-old defenceman Landon DuPont from Calgary, making him eligible for the upcoming Western Hockey League draft on May 9.

DuPont, who becomes the first defenceman and second player in WHL history to receive this designation, will be able to play in the league on a full-time basis starting next season. The only other player to receive exceptional status in the league was Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard in 2020.

This prestigious status has only been granted to nine players in Canadian Hockey League history since its creation in 2005, with DuPont being the third defenceman to receive the honor. Other notable players who have received exceptional status include NHL stars John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, and Connor McDavid.

WHL commissioner Dan Near praised DuPont, stating, “Landon is a fine young man, who not only possesses tremendous talent on the ice, but has been raised with solid moral character, a positive attitude, and a great work ethic.”

DuPont, who spent the previous season at Edge School in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, recorded an impressive 62 points in 30 regular-season games, leading all defencemen in scoring and helping Edge School capture the league title.

Expressing his gratitude for the exceptional player status, DuPont said, “I’m extremely humbled to have received this designation. I’m excited to continue my development in the WHL and will work hard every day to continue to improve.”

With six of the seven previous exceptional status players being selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, including four first overall picks, DuPont is poised to make a significant impact in the hockey world. Fans eagerly await his future success in the WHL and beyond.