Kevin He of Toronto has become the first player born in China to sign a contract with a National Hockey League team, reports the CBC.
The Winnipeg Jets signed him to what’s known as an entry level deal after it drafted him in the fourth round back in June.
“It’s a dream come true,” He said after being chosen by the Jets, reported NHL.com. “It’s incredible, a huge honor. I have a lot of fans texting me right before the draft, wishing me good luck and showing me support.”
Andong Song became the first ever player from China drafted into the NHL in 2015 when the New York Islanders chose him in the sixth round, but Song never signed his entry-level deal.
He’s family moved when he was 12 to Toronto where he began playing elite-level hockey. His father had taken him to the ice rink in Beijing at age 4.
“This means a lot to me and my family,” Resonate quoted He as saying. “I grew up in China, so I had some chances to skate.”
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