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.''

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