NHL breaks new ground as New York Islanders snap up China-born Song Andong in draft
Song Andong became the first Chinese-born player to be drafted into the National Hockey League when the New York Islanders chose the sturdy defenceman in the sixth round of the entry draft on Saturday.
The Islanders took Song with the 172nd pick in the annual draft which showcases the best college and junior players from leagues in North America and Europe.
The Edmonton Oilers took Connor McDavid with the first overall pick on Friday but the selection of Song a day later was also significant because he was born in Beijing and began his ice hockey there in youth leagues and tournaments before his family moved to Canada.
Being the first Chinese player means a lot of pressure from people back home. Good pressure. It will motivate me to be a better player. Make them proud
“I am really honoured to be the first,” the 18-year-old Song said. “Being the first Chinese player means a lot of pressure from people back home.
“Good pressure. It will motivate me to be a better player. Make them proud.”
Song captained China’s under-18 team that competed in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s II-B world championships and his NHL connection headlines the growth of ice hockey not just on the mainland but in Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and Macau.
“When I started playing there weren’t a lot of people there,” he said. “There wasn’t much support for the game.
