Andong Song Makes History As First Chinese To Be Drafted In NHL

National Hockey League made history on Saturday afternoon when the New York Islanders drafted the first ever Chinese-born player in the 2015 NHL Draft in Sunrise, Florida.

Andong Song became the first player born in China to ever get drafted by an NHL team when he was selected by Islanders as No. 172 overall in the sixth round. The 18-year old Chinese, who was followed by television crews from China on the draft event, said he felt he was a star already after being part of a historical moment, but quickly put his feet on the ground believing he still has a long way to go.

“It feels great. Unbelievable experience. Really honored to be the first,” he said as per Yahoo Sports.

Andong started to play hockey on a smaller rink in Beijing when his mother was trying to find him a sport because he kept getting sick. He started to excel in playing hockey with Oakville Ranges as early as 10 years old when his family moved to Canada. Five years later, Andong moved to New Jersey and played for Lawrenceville School where he became assistant captain last season. The defenseman out of China said he patterned his game after Hockey Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom, describing him as a skilled player.

Andong said he has not yet met Islander’s owner and governor Charles Wang, who was born in Shanghai. He and his agents were aware that the Chinese owner was interested in him, but was not really certain until his name was called in the draft with his family and siblings cheering around him.

”Being the first Chinese player, it’s a lot of pressure from people back home, but good pressure. I hope that will motivate me to become a better player and hopefully I’ll make them proud,” said Andong, who hopes to play in NCAA and become not just the first player from China to be drafted, but also to be the first to play in NHL.