Landon DuPont, a 14-year-old defenceman from Calgary, has been granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada, allowing him to play in the Western Hockey League (WHL) next season. DuPont joins Connor Bedard as the only players in WHL history to receive this status. The decision was praised by Shane Wright, who highlighted the benefits of playing in the CHL with exceptional status. DuPont's father, Micki, also shared insights on his son's future in a YouTube video. DuPont's exceptional status was celebrated by various hockey personalities, with comparisons to generational talent and high praise for his skill level. DuPont received a video message from Connor Bedard, welcoming him to the exclusive exceptional player club. The WHL's Everett Tips are interested in DuPont, but further discussions with his family are needed to ensure a fit for him.
From @salimvalji - Landon DuPont becomes first WHL defenceman to be granted exceptional status: https://t.co/whhtWzpwAx
Exceptional status: Shane Wright remembers the time, and "it helped a lot." Will Landon DuPont come to Everett? Tips COO Zoran Rajcic: “He is committed to the WHL, and we still need to speak further with the family to make sure Everett is a fit for him.” https://t.co/XBL7tXbhpo
🗣️"We are very mindful of creating an environment that’s not overwhelming or disruptive to Landon’s life as a young man." On Landon DuPont, the WHL's first blueliner who has Exceptional Status🔻👇🏾 https://t.co/xrocSLGiVN
If there was ever any question his life is about to change, it was answered when Landon DuPont woke up to a video message from Connor Bedard on Monday morning. It was DuPont's welcome to the exclusive exceptional player club. (@EricFrancis) https://t.co/8Mkqqm9jA8
Landon DuPont has been granted exceptional status by the CHL, allowing the 14-year-old to play next season in the WHL. DuPont, who joins Connor Bedard as the only WHL players to receive the status, spoke with @CraigJButton about the prestigious honour: https://t.co/684e3M3Lvu https://t.co/OfBIT8OE2n
“No question.” “No brainer.” “Generational.” “Special at his age.” “The best player I’ve ever seen individually.” Introducing Landon DuPont, the WHL’s second exceptional status player. Joint story with @jkamckenzie: https://t.co/Y6Us0JnVtA https://t.co/fh0V35yWkD
Landon Dupont was granted exceptional status. He joins Connor Bedard as the only players granted this status in @TheWHL history. Here is Landon talking about his future & some insights from his Father, Micki. @HockeyCanada @CHLHockey https://t.co/9nPbz5zTB1 via @YouTube
Landon DuPont made history Monday becoming the first defenceman in WHL history to get exceptional status. @salimvalji on the process it took and the message he received from Connor Bedard - the last player to be granted exceptional status in the WHL: https://t.co/cqTxWOl6NT https://t.co/smZnFHovmP
Exceptional Status granted to Landon Dupont. @TheWHL @HockeyCanada @CHLHockey @TSNHockey 7-Eleven That's Hockey: DuPont 'super honoured' to receive exceptional status in WHL https://t.co/7eYtsEqvN7
I asked Shane Wright about this today, who said he's already looked up Landon DuPont, and the experience of playing in the CHL with exceptional status "sets you up better" for the next level. https://t.co/YZDlO6IX18 https://t.co/c1CkMnkvte
DuPont to play in Western Hockey League next season as 15-year-old ⤵️ https://t.co/KwNNcOcslk
Hockey Canada grants Calgary defenceman Landon DuPont exceptional player status https://t.co/g31BVQ5JYs https://t.co/dRe4FyM04K