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SN: The numbers of black players at all levels has increased. "We just felt like other Canadian boys and wanted to play hockey.". Call 1-800-GAMBLER. We were all set to move, until the homeowner told us there was a problem: They didn't want to rent to us once they found out we were a biracial couple. Akim Aliu hasnt had the same ability to bounce back from his difficult treatment in the game. Sabres Tony Mckegney Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Black History Month essay: Tony McKegney | NHL.com The Montreal-born left wing was a big scorer in junior hockey, finishing with 135 points (58 goals . I was trying to convey something that I think is still true today: Sports can be the common denominator that brings people together. - Premium Design on your profile page (optional) He said, Just turn on the red light, which means scoring a goal. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. 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. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Saunders was a shy, quiet kid with a remarkable work ethic, Bassin recalls. 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. Tony currently does periodic work on behalf of the Red Wings Alumni Association and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team. You have permission to edit this article. Saunders didn't seem bitter or disappointed about not quite making it in the NHL, Jarrett said. 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. 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. He was told teams were interested in trading for him, but the Nordiques didn't let him go. When Saunderswas still a teenager, the family moved back to Quebec, to Chteauguay a town on Montreal's South Shore with a strong hockey tradition. He believes his call up was a reward for his performance in the minors. - Improve your search rank "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. But Jarrett believes Saunders deserved to be there. Hockey made me gave me all the confidence in the world.". Tony McKegney had 639 points over his career. Saunders doesn't want to come off as someone lamenting what could have been. Would you like to create an account so you can see these Favourites on your other devices too? - Verification Badge on your profile, Post a scouting report/trivia/player comment in English (visible here). It's something that most Black players at the time trained themselves to do, even though we shouldn't have needed to. If my career took some pressure off of him, or anyone who looks like us, I'm very proud of that. Other than that, I hadnt played against another black hockey player my whole life. All rights reserved. Why did you feel like that was necessary? They started out with walker-type things out on the ice, and then they graduated to the point where they were scrimmaging, McKegney said. My older brother, Mike, was drafted in the NHL, first black player ever drafted by the Montreal Canadians. His father eventually returned to Nigeria, and when Tony was a year old, he was adopted by the McKegneys, a white couple that lived in Sarnia, Ontario. Coming into the next season, he thought he was a shoo-in to make the team. I always loved the game, but I didn't see myself reflected in it. Brent Jarrett played with him in Kalamazoo, Mich.,that season. So Bassin gave him that chance. All rights reserved. He believes the colour of his skin is part of the reason he didn't. Your existing password has not been changed. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Youre a great player. And I said to myself, Geez, this is great. It was awesome to see these guys and theyre all good players. 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. You sort of never felt like you were different. 32) of the 1978 NHL Draft. Buffalo was very interesting because we hung around with the football players. Tony McKegney erased any doubt that a black player could be a prominent goal-scorer in the NHL. ST. LOUIS (AP) _ If not for an early twist of fate, Tony McKegney would probably not be plying his talents in a sport that is essentially all white. At the same time, he's disappointed that he's been excluded from conversations about the first black players in the NHL. Hes won Stanley Cups.. However, the team now had a new farm team, the Fredericton Express, and the organization wanted Saunders to play there. Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey, Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREE. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Highlighting Black players throughout Buffalo Sabres history. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. So I found myself focused on a number, 40, throughout the last stretch of games. A year later, the left winger was ready to join the pros. Most historical data provided by Dan Diamond and Associates. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. TONY MCKEGNEY: I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I moved [in with my adoptive family]. They had talks about what to do when the racist taunts would inevitably begin don't react, don't let them get to you but sure enough, when his son was a teenager, in the late '90s, an opponent called him the N-word on the ice. Important: An official team/league url or a team document must be provided for us to update player stats. We had a hockey rink, actually, in our back yard that my parents made each year.. These brave athletes are actively changing hockey culture for the better. Want to more about Him? Its a very expensive sport, and its more of a suburbia sport, McKegney said. Tony McKegney - Elite Prospects Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Tony McKegney (front, second from r.) and his Sarnia Bees teammates of the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League in 1973. By midseason, people started to notice. Id like to make the best of the last couple of years.. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont. How does that make you feel? It made me angry, made me sad. So I did the only thing I could do: I focused on perseverance. While in Minnesota, Tony played for the organization for 3 years until November 13, 1986 when he was traded to the New York Rangers along with Curt Giles and Minnesota's second-round pick in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Bob Brooke and Minnesota's fourth-round choice in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. (Tony) McKegney will need to be working on his paddle stroke or riding as a passenger. My dad felt he could do something for the amount of kids that were homeless or without parents per se.. The next day, the other team's coach called to apologize for what had happened, which Saunders found promising a sign that things were changing, albeit slowly. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.". AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Bailey, who is biracial, currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks and is in his second season with the organization. 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. As a teenager, he played for Jr. 'B' hockey in Sarnia. 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. TM: I had several concussions, so thats not been a good scenario for me. 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. Data Provided By 2023 Getty Images. 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. Like I said, numbers never tell the whole story. Thats basically what got me where I am today., Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. "People just forget me because I didn't play. tony mckegney family And the NHL has done a great job with helping. Tony McKegney Tells His Story of How He Came to Buffalo | Sabres But it wasn't to be. Amateur Teams: Kingston Canadians. Tony McKegney - Net Worth February 2023, Salary, Age, Siblings, Bio I don't talk much about the taunts and racial slurs I faced in youth and minor hockey. My mindset was focused on maintaining a consistent level of play to succeed in the National Hockey League. Tony McKegney Makes His Mark in the NHL | AP News Will the Sabres make some moves today to improve their post-season chances? 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). McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. "It was just time. 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. 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. When he left, he was the all-time leading scorer. Gambling problem? 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. by Tony McKegney weighed 200 lbs (90 kg) when playing. Did that ever dissuade you at all from getting into the game? Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. 6-0 , 200lb (183cm, 90kg) Born: February 15 , 1958 (Age: 64-344d) in Montreal, Quebec ca. 20 Sabres Tony Mckegney Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images All News Archival Browse 20 sabres tony mckegney stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. He is vaguely aware of the recent push to change hockey culture. You reached out to him afterwards. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. McKegney was drafted 32nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. And I followed the advice that the great Willie O'Ree has given so many times: channel your energy into lighting the red light. Find out more. During my career, I know I tried my hardest not to think about them at all. Its basically black children. Or write about sports? McKegney vividly recalls the support from his parents - Lowry McKegney, a retired chemist, and Cathy McKegney. Tony McKegney Goal vs. Toronto 12/13/80 - YouTube 0:00 / 0:44 Tony McKegney Goal vs. Toronto 12/13/80 Disengage 1.53K subscribers Subscribe 947 views 8 years ago Tony McKegney ties the game. He was following in the footsteps of his older brother Ian McKegney (who had been a star with the Sarnia Legionnaires before moving on to the pros). And I'll always be proud of the 40-goal season I had in 1987-88, the wonderful camaraderie of that Blues team, and the little chip-in that somehow found its way into the net. Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Hockey Reference Database. 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. I was too timid to talk to a girl. People weren't used to seeing a Black player succeed on the ice. Saunders scored twice in his debut, and it quickly became clear to Bassin he should have been playing at a higher level. Height, Weight & Physical Stats: Tony McKegney is 6 feet 1 inches tall and weight 90.7 kilograms. Sign up for EP Premium and verify your profile to access these benefits. Get the best of our NHL coverage and exclusives delivered directly to your inbox! Complete player biography and stats. Saunders said at the time, O'Ree was more of a mythical figure than anything else. I was there in the audience watching the games, and I heard the comments that were [made about him]. Tony Mckegney - ABC7 Chicago Get all the latest stats, news, videos and more on Tony McKegney 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. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Comments are welcome while open. 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. Tony McKegney | NHL Wiki | Fandom So, we laughed about it later on over a few beers. SN: If you had a chance to talk to the young African-Canadian and African-American kids coming into the game, what would you tell them that you wish youd known? Statistics of Tony McKegney, a hockey player from Montreal, PQ born Feb 15 1958 who was active from 1973 to 1993. Sabres Send Asplund to Nashville for 7th Rounder, 2023 NHL Trade Deadline: Open Thread & How To Watch. - Ability to add additional data to your career profile: Videos, Images, Social Media, Referrals, Fitness Testing Results and much more! 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. You learn that what matters most is their work ethic, their commitment, their passion, their personality, maybe their sense of humor -- certainly not the way they look. A centre, he said the way they clicked on the ice was as though they'd been playing together forever. Saunders was sent back to the minors, without any explanation. 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. Saunders spent most of his career thinking he was the only black player out there. Bassin knew Saunders was getting racist taunts, but said Saunders always handled it in stride and never let it get to him. But hockey was a window of opportunity because we saw people from our area making it. His best season came with the St. Louis Blues in 1987-88, when he had NHL career highs of 40 goals and 78 points. He talked about him, his brother Ian, and his mother who lives in Kincardine. His point production dropped off, but he was still eventually called up to the big club. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? McKegney left the NHL after 1990-91 with 639 points (320 goals, 319 assists). NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. That is a great start and I am looking forward to rooting for the Black players drafted in the past few years who are going to carry on this legacy. The coach noticed Saunderscrying in the stands, wanting to be with John, and invited him to play, too. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Lightning. McKegney was selected 32nd overall in 1978 after scoring 92 points with the Kingston Canadians. Sometimes what has been said in the past is that once hes established he doesnt produce as much. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. I just pushed the stereotypes to the background and kept hockey in the forefront. There were a few other (skaters) that were sort of up and down.. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. We use cookies to improve your experience. He believes he could have had a 10-year career in the NHL if he had been given a proper shot. 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.