Islanders make Andong Song 1st Chinese-born player selected at NHL Draft
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The New York Islanders made history in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Draft.
The Islanders used the 172nd overall pick to select Andong Song - the first Chinese-born player ever taken at the draft.
''I'm really honored to be the first Chinese player to be drafted,'' Andong said. ''It's been great so far.''
A native of Beijing, China, Song moved to North America at age nine. He captained China at the 2015 U-18 World Jr. Championships (D-II).
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 27, 2015
The defenseman, who goes by the name ''Misha,'' started playing hockey on a smaller-than-normal rink in Beijing when his mother was trying to find him a sport. Once his talent was spotted, his family moved to Canada and he quickly excelled when he began playing as a 10-year-old.
Now his pro rights belong to the Islanders, his selection broadcast live in China.
''Being the first Chinese player, it's a lot of pressure from people back home, but good pressure,'' Andong said. ''I hope that will motivate me to become a better player and hopefully I'll make them proud.''
With files from The Associated Press