Two players with the same first and last name faced off in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff game between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders. While the Sebastian Ahos may share a name and play professional hockey, their family backgrounds are completely different and they are not related.
Sebastian Antero Aho, who plays center for the Carolina Hurricanes, is from Rauma, Finland. He was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round of the 2015 NHL draft and has led the team in goals for six straight seasons. His playoff goal in Game 1 of the series against the Islanders was his 19th in 49 playoff games, a record for the Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers franchise.
Sebastian Johannes Aho, who plays as a defenseman for the New York Islanders, is from Umea, Sweden. He was passed over in the NHL draft for three consecutive years before being selected by the Islanders in the fifth round of the 2017 draft. He spent time in the American Hockey League before establishing himself as an NHL regular this season.
While the two players have the same name, they come from different countries and have distinct paths. Despite the lack of family ties, the Sebastian Ahos share a unique bond on the ice.
When asked about facing off against his namesake, the Islanders' Aho praised the Hurricanes' Aho as a fast player with good vision and a knack for scoring goals. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes' Aho described the Islanders' Aho as a solid defenseman with good skating ability and puck skills.
As the playoff series between the Hurricanes and Islanders continues, fans can look forward to seeing both Ahos in action. While they may not be related, their shared name and competitive spirit make for an entertaining matchup on the ice.
Carolina Hurricanes' Sebastian Aho holds the upper hand in playoffs
The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders in Game 1 of their series, after taking advantage of power-play opportunities. Aho got on the scoresheet, along with Stefan Noesen as the Hurricanes edged the Islanders 2-1.
Goalie Antti Raanta also had an impressive performance, stopping 25 out of 26 shots.
The Islanders still have plenty of time to bounce back in the series, but they will need to step up their game if they are to progress.