BOUCHERVILLE, Que. - Joey Veleno has become the first player from Quebec to be given exceptional status to play as a 15-year-old in major junior hockey.
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League commissioner Gilles Courteau made the announcement on Twitter and on the league's website on Thursday.
"I was informed by Hockey Canada this afternoon that Joseph Veleno has been granted exceptional status and is eligible 2015 @QMJHL Draft," tweeted Courteau.
Veleno, who turned 15 on Jan. 13, is expected to jump to the top of the list of prospects for the QMJHL draft on Saturday in Sherbrooke, Que.