The Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings will play two preseason games in China this week. Back in March, the NHL and NHLPA announced the 2017 NHL China Games, a joint effort with O.R.G. Packaging and Bloomage International Group, an organization that promotes healthy living across China.
Canucks sign a Chinese goaltender for 2017 NHL China Games vs. L.A. Kings
The Canucks and Kings are playing preseason games in Shanghai and Beijing this week.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Canucks announced on Monday that they’ve signed 21-year-old goaltender Zehao (Taylor) Sun to an amateur tryout contract. The local netminder will be the team’s third backup goaltender for both preseason games in Shanghai on Sept. 21 and in Beijing on Sept. 23.
Sun will participate in the team’s practices in China, as well.
Vancouver also announced the news on their Twitter account in Chinese, as they welcomed Sun to the team.
Last year, Sun played for China in the Asian Winter Games and for the World Championship’s Division II Group B. The tryout will be quite the learning experience for the 21-year-old, who has also played for Chengde in the Chinese Ice Hockey Association.
The addition of Sun to the Canucks roster for the week is likely fostering the type of community the NHL is hoping to accomplish in China. With the 2022 Winter Olympics scheduled for Beijing, the NHL no doubt has plans to lay tracks for good will in such a potentially large market.
The Canucks and Kings will play their first preseason game in China on Thursday.
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