Unlike most American hockey players who start on backyard rinks or local ponds, William Belle’s introduction to the sport was uniquely unconventional—on the 27th floor of a shopping mall in Dongguan, China. Born to an American father and Chinese mother, Belle spent his early childhood in Dongguan before moving to the U.S. in 2015. His first time skating came at a birthday party, sparking a passion that led to countless hours on the ice despite logistical challenges in a city of over 10 million people.
Long Drives and Asia Travels Shaped William Belle’s Early Hockey Journey and Mindset
Belle’s early hockey days were far from promising. He skated in figure skates for six months and took nearly a year to learn how to stop. Despite this, his dedication grew, supported by his parents who made two-hour drives for rink time and even longer trips to Hong Kong for better competition. Eventually, American coaches took notice and invited him to play in advanced youth leagues, often against much older players.
From Mall Rinks in China to NHL Prospect William Belle Forges a Global Hockey PathWhile other young athletes played tournaments in North America, Belle’s childhood involved business trips with his father across Asia. He visited countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, soaking up cultural experiences while balancing hockey development. These trips, filled with both personal bonding and cultural exploration, shaped Belle’s perspective and adaptability, skills that would later help him in dormitory life and team environments.
From Hobby to Purpose as William Belle Transformed into a Top Hockey Prospect
When Travis Belle gained the flexibility to work remotely, the family moved to the Boston area—initially for academic reasons. Hockey was still seen as a hobby until William enrolled at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, a renowned prep hockey school. There, surrounded by elite prospects and strong coaching, Belle began to excel physically and mentally. His commitment to training in the weight room and improved on-ice performance soon made hockey more than just an extracurricular activity.
Belle’s progression earned him a place on USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) roster, where he spent two seasons. There, he refined his physical style, developed defensive responsibility, and embraced the value of team roles. Despite not being selected for the 2025 U-18 World Championship roster, Belle views the NTDP experience as crucial in shaping his understanding of teamwork and system play.
From a Mandarin-speaking child in Dongguan who stumbled on skates, William Belle’s journey has been marked by resilience and transformation. Now a Notre Dame commit and potential NHL draft pick, his story reflects not just athletic growth, but personal evolution across cultures and continents. His unique path, forged through malls, trains, and foreign cities, has culminated in a place among America’s top hockey prospects.
