Tony McKegney's birthday is on 15-Feb-1958 and was born on Saturday. My mindset was focused on maintaining a consistent level of play to succeed in the National Hockey League. "People just forget me because I didn't play. I always said that the game is tough enough as it is just trying to survive and make it outside of having that stuff on the sidelines. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Gambling problem? Hockey made me gave me all the confidence in the world.". Sign up for Stathead Hockey - first month free. It's the number of Black players who have ever scored 40 goals in an NHL season. After scoring 36 goals for the Sabres in 1982-83, McKegney was traded to the Quebec Nordiques. 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. Next, select your favourite teams and leagues and well show you their latest news and scores in the My Favourites section of the home page. He jumped to the AHL's Hershey. He paved the way for me. There weren't many black players in the junior league at the time. by Never fully comfortable: Maple Leafs Kerfoot and the trade he dodged, Canucks commit to re-tooling over re-building with Hronek addition, On a career heater, Nugent-Hopkins four-point night helps Oilers ground Jets. "It was just time. We use cookies to improve your experience. 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. Of course, sports will never make us color blind, and colorblindness is not the goal. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. He is vaguely aware of the recent push to change hockey culture. Right before he went to college, Mike Marson and Bill Riley, the second and third black men in the NHL, made their debuts. His point production dropped off, but he was still eventually called up to the big club. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. Caught off balance, his foot went flying in the air. Tony McKegney had 320 goals over his career. Saunders didn't seem bitter or disappointed about not quite making it in the NHL, Jarrett said. He is not dating anyone. They're too neat; too objective. Tony McKegney. 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. As part of the NHL's celebration of Black History Month, NHL.com will highlight great moments and important figures in black hockey history each day throughout February. McKegney was selected 32nd overall in 1978 after scoring 92 points with the Kingston Canadians. But on the. He believes his call up was a reward for his performance in the minors. 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. During my career, I know I tried my hardest not to think about them at all. Right before he went to college, Mike Marson and Bill Riley, the second and third black men in the NHL, made their debuts. In fact, I didn't play against another Black hockey player for nearly 18 years -- when Ray Neufeld, Grant Fuhr, and I were all active in the League. But he was reassigned to the minors. Pages with non-numeric formatnum arguments. He has three 30-goal seasons. "I loved the game, but the game didn't love me.". SN: How has it impacted you as youve moved on from the game? By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Halls contract with the Bills had expired, although left unanswered is whether the team made an effort to retain him or Hall simply was rea. Obviously, I know Im on the back 9 - if you want to compare it to golf. 710K subscribers Tony McKegney is one of the pioneers of breaking the colour barrier within the NHL. Jarome Iginla gave me a very nice compliment when he said he felt he was at home on the ice and in the school yard, because he could say, Hey, Tony McKegney, hes playing in the NHL. He felt like he belonged on a hockey rink because I was out there. Bernie Saunders, one of the NHL's first black players, never thought he would find himself coaching youth hockey. I just had this conversation with one of my former teammates, and he said, We just treated you like one of us brothers.. SN: What were the conversations like with your parents about it? But it wasn't to be. There is one number, though, that says a lot about the season I had in 1987-88. Clearly, Jarome recognized that the 'typical' hockey player could be anyone who loves the game and plays it well. Get all the latest stats, news, videos and more on Tony McKegney McKegney was 20, playing junior hockey for Kingston in the Ontario Hockey Association, when the Buffalo Sabres made him their second-round choice in the 1978 draft. 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. Highlighting Black players throughout Buffalo Sabres history. Just like society as a whole, the hockey community still has a lot of hard work to do. And I followed the advice that the great Willie O'Ree has given so many times: channel your energy into lighting the red light. The judge ordered McKegney, while on probation, to complete all assessments, counselling and treatments directed by his probation supervisor to deal with issues arising from domestic. McKegney was selected 32nd overall in 1978 after scoring 92 points with the Kingston Canadians. You may have created an account with another Rogers Media account that can be used to sign in here. And I still struggle with that to this day, with the trauma that I faced and went through. Boards and the whole thing. He is to appear in court in Belleville, Ontario, on May 18. by Would you like to create an account so you can see these Favourites on your other devices too? His best season came with the St. Louis Blues in 1987-88, when he had NHL career highs of 40 goals and 78 points. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. Its basically black children. Saunders was part of a wave of black players who debuted after Willie O'Ree became the first black player in the National Hockey League in 1958. Brother: Ian McKegney 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. of 1 I relied on the support of my teammates who were always there for me. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Saunders scored twice in his debut, and it quickly became clear to Bassin he should have been playing at a higher level. McKegney was the first Black Canadian hockey player to make an impact in the NHL. Don't miss out - sign up for our newsletters! '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. He decided to sign as a free agent with the Nordiques because he felt they would give him the best opportunity to play right away plus, he would be reunited with Demers. I was there in the audience watching the games, and I heard the comments that were [made about him]. The Montreal-born left wing was a big scorer in junior hockey, finishing with 135 points (58 goals, 77 assists) in 66 games with Kingston of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League in 1976-77 and 92 points (43 goals, 49 assists) in 55 games the following season, when he also played for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship. McKegney scored 31 goals in 1986-87, 29 of them after being traded to the New York Rangers. Buffalo Sabres Schedule, Roster, News, and Rumors | Die By The Blade, Celebrating Black History Month: Tony McKegney, Game Thread: Sabres vs. Tony McKegney erased any doubt that a black player could be a prominent goal-scorer in the NHL. Tony McKegney has not been elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Unlimited access for the whole family until Feb 21. There were three future Hall of Famers who made us all better. Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey, Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREE. Complete player biography and stats. When he left, he was the all-time leading scorer. The Buffalo Sabres recently unveiled a partnership with local artist Edreys Wajed in honor of Black History Month. I've always been a player that plays on enthusiasm, and I was just losing my zest for the game.". It's also available for football, basketball and baseball. 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. On June 15, 1989, Tony was traded to the Detroit Red Wings along with Bernie Federko in exchange for Adam Oates and Paul MacLean. In retrospect, I can now see how it was an important milestone for people who look like me: No Black player had ever scored 40 goals in a season not until that game against Winnipeg, where a little chip-in ended up making history. There were a few other (skaters) that were sort of up and down.. But I always wanted to be, and knew I could be, a dominant player. Sue maintains relationships with many people -- family, friends, associates, & neighbors -- including Daniel Mckegney, Daniel Mckegney, Marilynn Habberfie, Roger Habberfield and Tony Mckegney. NHL Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. My older brother, Mike, was drafted in the NHL, first black player ever drafted by the Montreal Canadians. Join our linker program. He was released on his own recognizance by City Court. It was my 10th season in the League, and I'd gotten more comfortable over time. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. - Premium Design on your profile page (optional) Tony McKegney. 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. It's a big deal that Grant, Willie, and now Jarome have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32nd overall), 1978 NHL Amateur. SPORTSNET: What was your first exposure to the game of hockey? Former NHL forward Tony McKegney has been charged with impaired driving on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Then the Buffalo Braves were there, the basketball team. Saunders spent most of his career thinking he was the only black player out there. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. Tony McKegney was born in Montreal, Canada. His supporters created a fan club. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. 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. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.". Transaction information may be incomplete. Look, there's a Black player who did what some people said he couldn't. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. I know there werent very many [black players]. 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. 1978 round 2 #32 overall by Buffalo Sabres, OMJHL Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. (Tony McKegney, the fourth black player, debuted in 1978). 'We've taken one step forward and two back': Willie O'Ree on fighting racism in sports, This rural Ontario black hockey line broke barriers producing generations of star players, Being Black in Canada: Highlighting the Black experience, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. - EP Contact Book listing of your profile (optional) I dont have any theory why Tony has played with so many teams. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. He even scored 40 goals for St. Louis in 1987-88. In Tony's second stint in Quebec, he played in 98 games for the team until January 29, 1991 when he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Jacques Cloutier. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. TM: I had several concussions, so thats not been a good scenario for me. How does that make you feel? These brave athletes are actively changing hockey culture for the better. It was never published. Hes had the most success. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). 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. Thats the greatest compliments Ive received from the younger people. He signed with the Birmingham Bulls of the World Hockey Association, but that news generated a great deal of hate mail, etc., in the South. Last seen in the 1992-1993 season with the San Diego Gulls (IHL). Do you have a blog? Height, Weight & Physical Stats: Tony McKegney is 6 feet 1 inches tall and weight 90.7 kilograms. Lightning | Game 61, Sabres Acquire Jordan Greenway, Austin Strand. Its a very expensive sport, and its more of a suburbia sport, McKegney said. McKegney scored 37 goals in 1980-81. Jonathan freaked out. He still remembers, almost 50 years later, the smile on Saunders's face when he was told he wasn't going back to his old team. The Bulls released McKegney from his contract, and he joined the Sabres as their second-round draft choice. It's not the 40 goals I scored. And my brother was four years older than me and and took a lot more abuse than I did. "I literally got through the game, went into this closet, and I just cried.
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