SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 27: AnDong Song 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 by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
New York Islanders draft pick Andong Song did his best to help bring China its first Winter Olympic Games.
Song, 18, worked as an ambassador to aid in Beijing's bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, which came to fruition on Friday morning. The news comes one month after the 6-foot, 161-pound defenseman became the first Chinese-born player to be drafted into the NHL when New York selected him with the 172nd overall pick.
"It's a dream for any athlete to compete in Olympics, and it's a special honor to be able to do it in your country and the city you grow up," Song said. "So when I first heard the idea that China will put in a bid, especially Beijing, I was really excited and I felt I have the opportunity."
A two-time captain of the Chinese Under-18 national hockey team, Song joined former NBA center Yao Ming at Wednesday's press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
(h/t The Score)
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