KITCHENER — Israeli-born hockey player David Levin is hoping to defer his mandatory military service in order to pursue his junior hockey career.

Levin was selected first overall by Sudbury in the Ontario Hockey League draft this past weekend, but will only be able to play one season for the Wolves unless he's granted a deferment by the Israeli Defense Forces.

"I'm not thinking about it now," Levin said during a visit to Kitchener on Tuesday for an announcement regarding the OHL Gold Cup. "I hope the OHL will help me with this."

It's compulsory for men to serve three years and women to serve about two years in the Israeli military with conscription beginning during each citizen's 17th year.

Levin, who turns 16 in September, can apply to have his start time deferred by filling out paperwork before the end of February.

Wolves general manager Blaine Smith is confident it will all work out.

"We did ask about that (his military service)," he said. "That's something that is being handled by he and his family. They don't feel it's something that will be standing in his way from pursuing his career."

Levin's agent Darren Ferris said the process has already begun to clear the way for his client.

"My associates in Israel are working on the deferment so he's able to play here," he said. "We don't anticipate any problems with it. We're also working on his landed immigrant status."

Levin moved to Canada when he was 12 to chase his dream of playing hockey. He lives with his aunt and uncle in North York.

He grew up as a dominant in-line hockey player and flawlessly transitioned his game to the ice before being selected first overall by the Wolves.

Levin has already visited Sudbury and is excited to help turn the last-place franchise around for years to come, but needs to get his military status cleared up to do so.

Aside from the mandatory service, Israelis are also considered reserves until their mid-40s. If Levin doesn't get a deferment and remains in Canada, he says he wouldn't be able to return to his homeland for decades.

"It's a hard decision for me," he said. "It's a rule that if you don't go into the army and stay here, that you can't go to Israel until you are 45 years old. That would be very hard for me because my family and parents are there."

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Last year, Bradford Bulls captain Yuval Rosenthal earned a six-year exemption from conscription when he was granted time to pursue his career in the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League.

Rosenthal was already 19 at the time, which complicated matters. But the Israel Ice Hockey Federation successfully went to bat on his behalf, making it the first time an Israeli hockey player has ever received an exceptional athlete exemption from military service.