Islanders' Song aids in Beijing's bid for 2022 Winter Games
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)
