Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Economics and demographics - there are far fewer blacks in his native Canada than in the United States - still keep blacks from following him to the pro ranks. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. However, the Bills' statement does not specify that Frazi. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Highlighting Black players throughout Buffalo Sabres history. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. Previously, in the early '80s, one of my team's assistant coaches advised me to start dating a Black woman instead of Sue for similarly ignorant and bigoted reasons. They're too neat; too objective. But he was reassigned to the minors. The more hockey lives up to those ideals, the better we'll all be. Transaction information may be incomplete. But by capitalizing on circumstances known by few, he has become an example for blacks who would aspire to playing in the National Hockey League. For more, check out this Q&A with McKegney & Sportsnet: While its we celebrate the historic achievements of Black players throughout Sabres history, its equally important to celebrate the Black players in the NHL today, including several with current or former ties to the Buffalo Sabres organization. Hes been an All-Star. But it wasn't to be. He even scored 40 goals for St. Louis in 1987-88. Tony McKegney erased any doubt that a black player could be a prominent goal-scorer in the NHL. "I could not imagine [why] this guy wasn't given a better opportunity," Bassin said. He believes he could have had a 10-year career in the NHL if he had been given a proper shot. At the age of 20, Tony signed a contract with the now defunct World Hockey Associations (WHA) team in Birmingham, Alabama only to see the owner illegally renege on the deal after fans threatened to boycott the team for having added a black player to its roster. McKegney was born in Montreal and adopted by a white family in Sarnia. Tony McKegney has not been elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. McKegney was selected 32nd overall in 1978 after scoring 92 points with the Kingston Canadians. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. He has a copy of a newspaper article following a game in Rochester, N.Y., that mentions a fan who heard people yelling the N-word at him all night. While in Chteauguay, he played for Jacques Demers, who went on to coach the Nordiques and Montreal Canadiens. As a teenager he played Jr. 'B' hockey in Sarnia. Theres another occasion where Ray Neufeld and I got into a scuffle. "People just forget me because I didn't play. Tony was drafted 32nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. Jonathan freaked out. After playing in 64 games for the Rangers, Tony was traded to the St. Louis Blues on May 28, 1987 along with Rob Whistle in exchange for Bruce Bell and future considerations. Bernie Saunders, one of the NHL's first black players, never thought he would find himself coaching youth hockey. So, for me, there were just so many good influences. Oilers' Mike Green out three to four weeks with knee injury, Islanders re-assign Josh Ho-Sang to Blues' AHL affiliate. I pride myself in being maybe the first black player to play consistently in the league, McKegney said. After scoring 36 goals for the Sabres in 1982-83, McKegney was traded to the Quebec Nordiques. "Tony McKegney showed me it was possible for someone like me to play in the NHL," future Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla said in author Cecil Harris' book, "Breaking The Ice, The Black Experience in Professional Hockey." "He set the example. The next season, his agent Art Kaminsky told him that must have meant the Nordiques wanted to keep him, so he went into training camp intent on making an impression. It can be difficult to talk about how those views affect you as a person. He was a 4x 30-goal scorer and set career highs in 1988 with 40 . After leaving the NHL, he had a long, successful career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The Nordiques didn't have a farm team that year, so he was sent to play for the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, one of the Montreal Canadiens' farm teams. Tony McKegney was bom in Montreal, Quebec, in February of 1958 to a Nigerian father and Canadian mother. By midseason, people started to notice. Search instead in Creative? Tony McKegney. Right before he went to college, Mike Marson and Bill Riley, the second and third black men in the NHL, made their debuts. SN: The numbers of black players at all levels has increased. Tony McKegney He played in St. Louis for two years. He sat down with Donnovan Bennett to discuss the struggles, success and lessons that came. He was assigned to the Syracuse Firebirds, one of the Nordiques' farm teams, where he became a fan favourite. McKegney was drafted 32nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. "One of the nicest things I hear from young people is they felt because I was there playing they felt they could be accepted in hockey," McKegney told The Buffalo News in 2017. There hadnt been many blacks in the NHL when he arrived, but hopefully his talent made quite a few people color-blind. (Tony McKegney, the fourth black player, debuted in 1978). Bernie Saunders played 10 games for the Quebec Nordiques, but he and others say his career would have been longer if he wasnt black. And I just thought to myself, What are they doing out there? And I couldnt wait to go out there and join them at a year-and-a-half. Tony McKegney. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. Sherry Bassin, 80, is a former junior hockey executive and another person who helped shape Saunders as a hockey player and a person. SPORTSNET: What was your first exposure to the game of hockey? Still, I'd been thinking about that particular goal mark for a while. I've always been a player that plays on enthusiasm, and I was just losing my zest for the game.". There is one number, though, that says a lot about the season I had in 1987-88. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. I guess, if you could say, the guy thats done the best is probably Grant Fuhr, McKegney said of the Edmonton goalie. However, the team now had a new farm team, the Fredericton Express, and the organization wanted Saunders to play there. Right before he went to college, Mike Marson and Bill Riley, the second and third black men in the NHL, made their debuts. He would like for both to be able to remember their father in an NHL uniform. Tony McKegney spoke about his experience being one of the few black players in the NHL and how the league has progressed since his playing days. TM: I knew John because we were teammates, we were roommates, and it seemed out of character for him. We didn't recognize that password reset code. There was nothing special about the goal. And that was the Buffalo Sabres. Brother: Ian McKegney I know there werent very many [black players]. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. Get all the latest stats, news, videos and more on Tony McKegney Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. A couple of weeks ago, Ron MacLean from Hockey Night in Canada gave the McKegney family a shout out during the Saturday night broadcast, recognizing McKegney as part of Black History month. "I was just this shy, quiet kid in Chteauguay. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. We only use official stats. There were a few other (skaters) that were sort of up and down.. Youre a great player. "I literally got through the game, went into this closet, and I just cried. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. SN: Trevor was able to persevere. 6-0 , 200lb (183cm, 90kg) Born: February 15 , 1958 (Age: 64-344d) in Montreal, Quebec ca. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. Then he was dealt to the Nordiques in a massive swap involving Quebecs Real Cloutier. Other than that, I hadnt played against another black hockey player my whole life. Just like society as a whole, the hockey community still has a lot of hard work to do. I was trying to convey something that I think is still true today: Sports can be the common denominator that brings people together. Even reporters, players were coming up to me saying, 'What's going on, Bernie?'". of 1 He got out of his contract, went back to Michigan and started playing for the Kalamazoo Wings, an International Hockey League team, while establishing himself at Upjohn, a pharmaceutical company. Data Provided By But on the ice, Saunders was still alone. Looking back on his incredible career and contribution, McKegney shared with me the pleasure, pain and purpose hockey brought to his life. After scoring eight goals in 52 games as a rookie in 1978-79, he scored 23 in his second NHL season 37 in 1980-81. McKegney left the NHL after 1990-91 with 639 points (320 goals, 319 assists). I relied on the support of my teammates who were always there for me. He has three 30-goal seasons. Sign up for Stathead Hockey - first month free. . I went to [Daley] and said, Hey, how are you doing and how are you feeling? I just wanted to reach out and say, Been there, just keep at it. Buffalo was very interesting because we hung around with the football players. During my career, I know I tried my hardest not to think about them at all. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. NHL 2023. One of his greatest disappointments is not being included in conversations about the first black NHL hockey players, but he insists he feels no animosity. It is the 10th NHL season for McKegney, who will be 30 on Feb. 15, and one that he would like to make his best. Tony McKegney (born Anthony Syiid McKegney on February 15, 1958) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player, who played in the NHL for 13 seasons from 1978-79 until 1990-91. My mother and father -- who adopted me from an orphanage in Montreal, and who happen to be white -- built a hockey rink in our backyard every winter, where I'd skate with my siblings. McKegney was the first Black Canadian hockey player to make an impact in the NHL. He jumped to the AHL's Hershey. Jarrett won the scoring title and says he couldn't have done it without Saunders at his side. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. INDIANAPOLIS Along with the change in defensive coordinator with Leslie Frazier deciding to "take a step back," Bills General Manager Brando, The Buffalo Sabres' mostly injury-free season at forward took a decidedly darker turn Saturday night when the club placed top-line right winge, Frazier, who turns 64 in April, plans to return to coaching in 2024, the Bills said. Jarome told me that he felt comfortable at the school yard because he could point to me and say, "Look, Tony McKegney's playing in the NHL.". I was scared to say a peep in class. Please contact us. Gambling problem? He believes his call up was a reward for his performance in the minors. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.". The Buffalo native was drafted by the Sabres 52nd overall in 2013 and began his pro career with the Sabres and Amerks. Tony McKegney is a well known Ice Hockey. I don't talk much about the taunts and racial slurs I faced in youth and minor hockey. Saunders, a right-winger, played 10 games for the Quebec Nordiques in 1979-80 and 1980-81. Why did you feel like that was necessary? {* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}, Comment and participate in our online community. There were three future Hall of Famers who made us all better. Tony McKegney is an Ice Hockey Player who was born on February 15, 1958 in Canada. Born: February 15,1958 inMontreal,Quebec ca, Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32ndoverall), 1978NHLAmateur. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Contents 1 Playing Career 2 Post-Playing Career 3 Career Statistics 4 Accolades 5 Personal Life Playing Career It was like, all the emotions from my career, my life: it was too much for me," the elder Saunders said. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. McKegney recalls no special obstacles for him or his two adoptive brothers, who are also black, as they were growing up with a racially mixed family in a city of 50,000. And if those people were wrong about his future in hockey, what else might they be wrong about? TM: Its wonderful. Today, were giving a quick shoutout to former Buffalo Sabres forward Justin Bailey. He says he has moved on. Last seen in the 1992-1993 season with the San Diego Gulls (IHL). I probably should have, and I never did that. If my career took some pressure off of him, or anyone who looks like us, I'm very proud of that. Wikifamouspeople has ranked Tony McKegney as of the . "I believe if he wasn't a black individual he would have played [more] in the NHL. 8 9 25 25 10 7 14 11. TM: I remember mentioning to Grant Fuhr, it mightve been an All-Star Game or something, I said, Youre lucky. One was Saunders. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. by Lightning. And between the benches, one of the guys said it would be termed as a black-on-black crime. When I came along, obviously there were comments made, but I was so focused on what was happening on the ice. I was there in the audience watching the games, and I heard the comments that were [made about him]. But I think sports probably helped a lot, because we were known as athletes and so forth. His first encounter with racism happened while he was playing junior hockey after his family moved to Ajax, Ont., during his senior year of high school. He was a role model." Embed from Getty Images Getty Images Sport Graig Abel *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. Back in 1988, I'm not sure if I realized what it really meant. Today, Tony McKegney, the first Black player to score 40 goals in an NHL season, tells his story of overcoming racial bias and serving as inspiration for Jarome Iginla, the only other Black. I remember I was tired when a shot from the point came my way. 'I loved the game, but the game didn't love me': How hockey shaped one of NHL's first black players on and off the ice | CBC News Loaded. Because you never forget scoring 40 in one year. We had a hockey rink, actually, in our back yard that my parents made each year.. But while Saunders was playing the role of helping others, he believes the Habs didn't really have any incentive to help him, since the team had its own players to develop. Tony McKegney was born in Montreal, Canada. And I followed the advice that the great Willie O'Ree has given so many times: channel your energy into lighting the red light. He is also aware of his role-model responsibilities as one of only five blacks currently playing in the league. Saunders said at the time, O'Ree was more of a mythical figure than anything else. And there was a ton of it, ugly stuff. Hockey made me gave me all the confidence in the world.". "We were so influenced by Hockey Night in Canada," he said, of himself and John. One house seemed perfect for me and my wife, Sue. Tony was adopted by the McKegney family when he was an infant. "Everything Bernie Saunders has, he earned, in spite of [whether] there's been prejudice along the way.". The focus was just on playing hockey. TM: Everything. I was the second to be adopted, McKegney, a St. Louis Blues forward, said of the white family in Sarnia, Ontario, he became part of before he was 1 year old. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont. "I was incredulous. I feel that I had a pretty good upbringing. TM: No, not really. Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday that former Buffalo Sabres winger Tony McKegney was arraigned before a Buffalo City Court Judge back on. And I know they weren't alone in their thoughts. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Lightning. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Do you have a blog? It saddens me to hear the accounts of the current crop of Black players and other players of color that are still facing the same obstacles and ugly behavior that I encountered when I was their age. During his first stint in Quebec, he played for the team until December 14, 1984 when he was traded to the Minnesota North Stars along with Bo Berglund in exchange for Brad Maxwell and Brent Ashton. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. It certainly didn't add up when I was moving to St. Louis before the start of the season. I remember the reporter asking me about growing up in a town where there were only two Black families among 50,000 people. But hockey was a window of opportunity because we saw people from our area making it. Saunders scored twice in his debut, and it quickly became clear to Bassin he should have been playing at a higher level. Important: An official team/league url or a team document must be provided for us to update player stats. 710K subscribers Tony McKegney is one of the pioneers of breaking the colour barrier within the NHL. SN: When you were playing hockey as youngster, there werent many black faces for you to see when you watched NHL games on Saturday nights. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. My first time playing against another black hockey player was probably my third year in the NHL, Grant Fuhr and Ray Neufeld. He played six games and didn't score, but played well. Saunders says Demers is one of the people who taught him the work ethic and discipline that carried him until he lost his enthusiasm for the game. The goal is to make stereotypes disappear by making people from all backgrounds feel welcome, celebrated, and empowered on an equal playing field. Today, Tony McKegney, the first Black player to score 40 goals in an NHL season, tells his story of overcoming racial bias and serving as inspiration for Jarome Iginla, the only other Black player to hit the 40-goal milestone. He became a standout in hockey while playing junior, scoring 135 points in 66 games in 1976-77. TM: We never really talked about it much. Tony McKegney's birthday is on 15-Feb-1958 and was born on Saturday. I've always considered it a great compliment to play a small part in Jarome's story. Tony McKegney had 639 points over his career. / Special to NHL.com, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. Boards and the whole thing. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. 32) of the 1978 NHL Draft. The conversation about black players in hockey is often a binary one even during Black History Month. Jarome Iginla. He became a standout in hockey while playing junior, scoring 135 points in 66 games in 1976-77. Saunders doesn't want to come off as someone lamenting what could have been. Sometimes what has been said in the past is that once hes established he doesnt produce as much. His NHL career ended with nine games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1990-91, but he went on to play for the Canadian National Team, overseas in Italy with Varese HC and in the IHL with the San Diego Gulls before hanging up the skates in 1993. In February 1988, I was interviewed for an article called "Tony McKegney Makes His Mark in the NHL," where I talked about how the season was going and importance of role models. Its just something I never envisioned when I was growing up seeing five black hockey players playing in the same game. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. - Verification Badge on your profile, Post a scouting report/trivia/player comment in English (visible here). Bailey, who is biracial, currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks and is in his second season with the organization. The people in our hometown of Sarnia, Ont., were so supportive through sports. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Saunders decided that was it. But I cherish everything about that goal that found my stick in the last minute of the last game of my 1987-88 season with the St. Louis Blues. He said, Just turn on the red light, which means scoring a goal. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. He was following in the footsteps of his older brother Ian, who had been a star with the Sarnia Legionnaires before moving on to the pros. We present them here for purely educational purposes. That year, he also played against a team from Birmingham, Ala. His first game there, team executives told him he might be shot, so he went into the arena with extra protection. Another referee determined he made a kicking motion and gave him a match penalty. Unlimited access for the whole family until Feb 21. . So I found myself focused on a number, 40, throughout the last stretch of games. Editor's note: As part of the NHL celebrating Black History Month throughout February, NHL.com will present first-person essays by some of the game's key Black players and executives. Two years ago, when he scored 15 times and had 25 assists, was the only season he scored fewer than 23 goals or compiled fewer than 45 points. My mindset was focused on maintaining a consistent level of play to succeed in the National Hockey League. McKegney was selected 32nd overall in 1978 after scoring 92 points with the Kingston Canadians. It barely made it over the line. As of this date, Sue is single. Jets, Hockey Night in Canada: Maple Leafs vs. Canucks on Sportsnet, Hockey Night in Canada: Oilers vs. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. SN: When you got to the league was it a lonely existence for you? That's where he met Guy Carbonneau, who was in his first full professional season. All rights reserved. "We just felt like other Canadian boys and wanted to play hockey.". All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Not a lot from opposing, players, but more so from fans, that they just couldnt handle the fact that the pure white sport, was being dominated by a black kid and that was me. Until we get rinks in the inner (American) cities, I dont think thats going to change.. You sort of never felt like you were different. So Bassin gave him that chance. Season Players Videos. He was a 4x 30-goal scorer and set career highs in 1988 with 40 goals and 78 points. Complete record of every goal scored or assisted by the player. Sabres Memories is presented by BCBSWNY. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? Im sure it affected me. Stay tuned to Die By the Blade over the course of the month as we continue to highlight Black players in Buffalo Sabres history. They were playing Ottawa and there were five black players in the game on the two teams combined. John Kreiser, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Join our linker program. The key is for him to keep working.. He is a member of famous with the age 63 years old group. Browse 82 tony mckegney stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Its a very expensive sport, and its more of a suburbia sport, McKegney said. While in Fredericton, he says the coach told him he may play a couple dozen games at the NHL level, but his main role would be to tutor the other players. Thats basically what got me where I am today., Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Clearly, Jarome recognized that the 'typical' hockey player could be anyone who loves the game and plays it well. There have been 93 black players in the NHL. He heard the N-word on the ice and from fans in the stands, and opponents always made sure to finish their checks on him. TONY MCKEGNEY: I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I moved [in with my adoptive family]. We celebrate Willie ORee, the first black player in the NHL, and maybe mention Mike Marson, who was the second, then the conversation shifts all the way to the unprecedented diversity we see in the game today. As of 2018 Tony McKegney is 59 years years old. Go beyond the basics. It made me angry, made me sad. Tony McKegneny (c.) with his sons, Dan (l.), and Robert. - EP Contact Book listing of your profile (optional) We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:33AM. You have permission to edit this article. WHA hat tricks courtesy Scott Surgent. Before Jarome was an NHL superstar and represented Canada in three Olympics, he was just like every other Canadian kid playing ball hockey in the school yard -- except he stood out for looking different than the 'typical' hockey player. All Rights Reserved. Buy his book. I was at a Queens University hockey game. I remember the dedication that my parents put into it when we were younger, driving us to rinks at 7 in the morning, he said. You get to keep that mask on and Im out there for everybody to see. So, I told Grant, jokingly, that I was envious of him. Tony McKegney (r.) with brothers Mike (l.) and Steve in front of their house in Sarnia, Ontario in 1970. Odds & lines subject to change. The funny thing is that Im starting to enjoy the game more than I ever have, he said. Even now, when I tell the story of the 1987-1988 season, I use a lot of numbers to explain why the season turned out so special. So, I reached out. It was my 10th season in the League, and I'd gotten more comfortable over time. At age 5, I started playing organized hockey. I just felt defeated," he said. TM: We just sort of stayed away from it. I just had this conversation with one of my former teammates, and he said, We just treated you like one of us brothers.. Tony McKegney erased any doubt that a black player could be a prominent goal-scorer in the NHL. Did that ever dissuade you at all from getting into the game? Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Would you like to create an account so you can see these Favourites on your other devices too? And the support I got from teammates just carried me through some difficult situations. He was also able to open doors and create a level of acceptance for young black players who could point to him and his contemporaries as successes.