Teenager becomes first Chinese player selected in NHL draft

Song Andong poses after being selected 172nd overall by the New York Islanders during the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 27, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. [Photo/CFP]

WASHINGTON -- Song Andong, a teenager born in Beijing, became the first Chinese-born player to be drafted into the National Hockey League.

The New York Islanders chose the defenceman in the sixth round, with the 172nd pick of the entry draft on Saturday in the annual draft which showcases the best college and junior players from leagues in North America and Europe.

The selection of Song, 18, drew much media attention from China and he admitted that being "the first" put pressure on him.

"I am really honored to be the first," he said. "Being the first Chinese player is a lot of pressure from people back home.

"Good pressure. It will motivate me to be a better player. Make them proud."

Song started to play ice hockey at the age of six when doctors suggest he'd better more inhale cool air for his fragile throat, so his mother decided to take him to play ice hockey.

At age 10 he moved with his family to the Toronto and at 15 he went to New Jersey to play high school hockey for Lawrenceville School.

Lawrenceville coach Etienne Bilodeau said Song stepped into a major role not long after he arrived at the school and was named captain this season.