Kade O’Rourke Denied Exceptional Status By Hockey Canada Andrew Forbes | April 28, 2026 For many, it was a foregone conclusion. The belief was that 15-year-old defenceman Kade O’Rourke, currently playing for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, would be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada…
Connor Bedard Granted First-Ever WHL Exceptional Status Josh Bell | March 24, 2020 History has been made in the Western Hockey League. Hockey Canada has approved Connor Bedard’s request to be the first-ever player to gain exceptional status in the WHL, joining an…
Travis Konecny Selected 1st Overall, Day Waits Another Day Brendan Ross | April 5, 2013 For the first time in the history of the exceptional status rule, the player deemed “exceptional” will not be selected first overall after the Ottawa 67’s announced Friday afternoon that team will be selecting forward Travis Konecny with the first pick of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection Draft.
Sean Day – Exceptional Status Granted: A Truly Special ‘Day’ Brendan Ross | March 20, 2013 For the third time in as many years, Hockey Canada has granted an underage player “exceptional status” naming Canadian defenseman Sean Day eligible for the Ontario Hockey League’s 2013 Priority…
Aaron Ekblad: Barrie’s “Exceptional” Talent David OConnor | November 8, 2011 Aaron Ekblad became the first defenseman ever granted “exceptional player” status in CHL history last spring. Currently a defenseman for the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League, Ekblad is…
