Exceptional status centre Joseph Veleno, 15, drafted first overall by Sea Dogs

SHERBROOKE, Que. - Joseph Veleno was selected first overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs on Saturday at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft.

The pick comes just two days after being granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada.

Veleno, 15, is the first player from Quebec to earn exceptional status. He joins Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad and Sean Day who were also granted exceptional status from Hockey Canada.

The Kirkland, Que., native had 52 points in 41 games for the Lac St-Louis Lions of the Quebec Midget AAA Hockey League this past season. Veleno also had 10 points in six games at the Canada Winter Games.