7 Facts About Sebastian Aho

Sebastian Aho will make his NHL debut on Sunday when the Islanders take on the Avalanche. It's been a quick ascent for the 2017 fifth-round pick, who wasn't drafted until he was 21, but he plans on enjoying the moment and living out a childhood dream. Here are seven facts to know about Aho before his debut.

1. HE'S THE SECOND SEBASTIAN AHO IN THE NHL
The other Sebastian Aho is a Finnish forward that plays for Carolina. The Isles Aho said sharing the name has led to some
mistaken identity in the past
.

2. HE'S THE FIRST SOUND TIGERS DEFENSEMAN TO SCORE A HAT TRICK
Aho netted three goals vs Providence on Nov. 5. It was his 10th career AHL game. Aho had 20 points (9G, 11A) in 29 games with the Sound Tigers before getting called up. He had the second most goals among defensemen in the AHL at the time of his recall.

3. HE PLAYED FOR SKELLEFTEA IN THE SWEDISH HOCKEY LEAGUE
Aho scored 60 points (15G, 45A) in 152 games with Skellefteå since debuting in the 2012-13 season, but had a career year last season, scoring 30 points (10G, 20A) in 50 games. Aho won an SHL title in 2013-14.
4. HE REPRESENTED SWEDEN AT THE 2015 WORLD JUNIORS
Aho had four points (1G, 3A) in seven games, tied for second most among defensemen at the tournament. Sweden finished fourth that year, but Aho had an assist in the bronze medal game.

5. HE'LL WEAR NUMBER 28 FOR THE ISLANDERS
He's the 22nd player to wear 28. Anders Kallur was the first and Marek Zidlicky was the most recent.

6. HIS FAVORITE PLAYER IS NICKLAS LIDSTROM
Makes sense for a young Swedish defenseman.
7. HE'S THE NINTH PLAYER FROM THE 2017 DRAFT TO DEBUT
Aho was drafted in the 5th round (139th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft. He'll be the ninth player from the draft to debut this season and the last Islanders player to debut in his draft year since Nino Niedereitter.