[2], James was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 16th round, 184th overall in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft after playing 2 seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the Quebec Remparts, although he never played in any regulation games for the Red Wings. We would usually go to a handful of games each season and end up in the stairwells between periods playing mini hockey with a souvenir stick and a tape ball for a puck. He didn’t start skating until he was 13 years old and would lace up his skates late at night at Long Island Arena. I’m a hockey player. Progression Rules: ... source. Back in the glory days of hockey, fighting was a … Home; Fights. In 1981, the then-Rochester American received “the call” and made history as he skated in his first NHL game. Hockey Card Stories. [8], In 1983, while playing in the American Hockey League (AHL), under the direction of rookie coach Mike Keenan, James scored the winning goal for the Rochester Americans in the Calder Cup. Hauppauge native and hockey trailblazer Val James is set to become one of the newest members of the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame.. Get all the latest stats, news, videos and more on Val James. [15] In January 2017 ECW Press re-released the book in paperback format, again coinciding with Black History Month. I didn’t know that when you’re dealing with older people, that they have their set ways of thinking that that’s what would happen.”. 1981-82; 1986-87; Game Logs. “I was fortunate my dad was running the rink so that I could get ice time after everyone was done with it,” said James with a smile. “I feel I have opened a few doors for guys that might not have gotten that chance later on in their careers. Back in the glory days of hockey, fighting was a … I was probably prepared for it a little bit, but not to come that quickly. When James broke into the league there had only been a handful of black NHL players. But, what’s even more shocking is that it took more than 23 years after … View the profiles of people named Val James. Join Facebook to connect with Val James and others you may know. Author Ken Reid. Val James. Hauppauge native and hockey trailblazer Val James is set to become one of the newest members of the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame.. In the beginning, it was James, a wooden chair, and his Doberman. When Val James first entered the league in 1981, the NHL did not make any recognition of him being the first African American in the NHL. As he explains early in his book: “It was really quite simple. It’s not one that is discussed every February during Black History Month. 1981-82; 1986-87 But James knows he left a legacy in hockey that can only be built upon. I figured something that would happen when I got a little older. Val James. [3] He also played several seasons, in the late 1970s, for the Erie Blades, in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). Still a fan favorite in Rochester, James retired after the 1987-88 season—and stepped away from the game. Sports Card Forum provides sports and non-sports card collectors a safe place to discuss, buy, sell and trade. Join Facebook to connect with Val James and others you may know. Trailblazer Finds Forgiveness in the Tip of a Pen", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Val_James&oldid=1006786434, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Biographical information and career statistics from, This page was last edited on 14 February 2021, at 20:05. A feared enforcer on the ice, James played a total of 11 NHL games for the Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. Where the top hockey teams in England battle it out to be this season's champions. Unmasked: Bernie Parent and the Broad Street Bullies. Sports News 247 is your sports news website . [7] James was the first native-born Floridian to play in the NHL. James was the first black American to play in the NHL. [4] James made his NHL debut for the Sabres during the 1981–82 NHL season, playing seven games. An enforcer, James was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 16th round (184th overall) in 1977. While his first NHL game with the Buffalo Sabres was a moment he’ll never forget, the racism he faced as a young man followed him throughout his minor league and NHL career. we provide latest sports articles and videos from sports industry. John Gallagher: Currently a federal prosecutor, John Gallagher is a former White House Fellow and former New York City police … But, while he didn’t score an NHL goal, James scored one of the biggest goals in Rochester Americans history: the goal that clinched the Calder Cup in 1983. A feared enforcer on the ice, James played a total of 11 NHL games for the Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. “I was fortunate my dad was running the rink so that I could get ice time after everyone was done with it,” said James with a smile. It’s shocking it took so long, even with players such as Mike Grier, Seth Jones, Dustin Byfuglien and Kyle Okposo. [Photo by Greg Abel, courtesy of the publisher] James’ pugilistic talents were honed by retaliating to the many racist taunts spewed by his opponents or the opposing team’s fans. A feared enforcer on the ice, James played a  total of 11 NHL games for the Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. [13], After retiring, James settled in Niagara Falls, Ontario with his wife, working as part of the maintenance crew at a water park. “[My Doberman would] always submarine me. In 1986-87, Val James became the first black man of any nationality to play for the Maple Leafs. After nearly 20 years playing junior and professional hockey, Val James settled in Ontario with his wife, Ina. [9], James's next NHL stint came in the 1986–87 NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing four games. 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Born in Florida and raised on Long Island, James got a late start to his hockey career. February 3, 2021 Austin NHL 0. “We ended up going to Boston later that week [after his first NHL game], and that’s when all the altercations started to happen after the game,” James recalled. Until Jordan Greenway took to the ice for the US men’s ice hockey team in Pyeongchang, the program had never had an African-American player on its Olympic roster. It’s shocking it took so long, even with players such as Mike Grier, Seth Jones, Dustin Byfuglien and Kyle Okposo. I was on top of the world you know. The Val James Story. Don't Bet Silly, Bet Savvy! I saw the corner before I even took the shot and just shot at it as soon as I got the puck and it went in. Valmore Edwin James (born February 14, 1957) is an American former professional ice hockey left winger, as well as defenseman, who played two seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. “They kind of shook the bus up a little bit, like they wanted to turn it over. “It’s like having a fruit salad with just oranges in it – What good is that? It just crushed me. I just wanted to be an NHL hockey player.”. You’ve got texture and it’s much better.”, Enjoy more great hockey history and ‘Best of’ posts in the THW Archives. 1981-82; 1986-87; Career Playoffs; Scoring Logs. His name is Valmore James, but you can call him Val. James was the first Black American to play in the NHL. While writing his book, as he remembered the racial slurs and taunting he endured during his hockey career, he felt “aggravated.” Val James: The Forgotten Trailblazer 6 min read [ad_1] Until Jordan Greenway took to the ice for the US men’s ice hockey team in Pyeongchang, the program had never had an … But, I didn’t look at it as a game-winning goal at the time. Team president and co-owner Kim Pegula sent congratulatory messages to James via social media, recognizing his historic contribution to hockey. Author Jay Greenberg. ... Hockey Card Stories reveals what was really going on in your favourite old hockey cards through the eyes of the players depicted on them. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Val James in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where he lives. ... Get NHL Credit Card; Game Used Pucks ... Val James: Hockey Is For Everyone. Sports Card Forum provides sports and non-sports card collectors a safe place to discuss, buy, sell and trade. Spirited bouts and victories over noted enforcers Terry O'Reilly and John Kordic were part of his record. “I think I was a little bit shocked. One of the NHL's all-time top enforcers, Dave Brown, singled out James as one of the hardest punching players, and toughest opponents, he had ever fought. Val James became the first African American player in the NHL when he took to the ice with the Buffalo Sabres in 1982, and in 1987 he became the first black player of any nationality to skate for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Terry O'Reilly vs Val James from the Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres game on Mar 28, 1982.via http://www.hockeyfights.com Get the latest betting odds at Coral. But, while he didn’t score an NHL goal, James scored one of the biggest goals in Rochester Americans history: the goal that clinched the Calder Cup in 1983. In 1986-87, Val James became the first black man of any nationality to play for the Maple Leafs. The left-winger, well-known in history as becoming the first Black American to play in the NHL, learned he will be inducted into this year’s hall of fame class. Until Jordan Greenway took to the ice for the US men’s ice hockey team in Pyeongchang, the program had never had an African-American player on its Olympic roster. The Sabres honored Val James’ achievement with this video: On November 1, 1981, Val James advanced the sport of hockey by becoming the first Black American to play in the @NHL . He was my best friend and my worst enemy on the ice.”. In the beginning, it was James, a wooden chair, and his Doberman. [Photo by Greg Abel, courtesy of the publisher] James’ pugilistic talents were honed by retaliating to the many racist taunts spewed by his opponents or the opposing team’s fans. He signed with the Buffalo Sabres on July 22, 1981. I have a few of his Leafs cards in my collection, so I thought I would make a tribute page. Get Informed FAQs. While writing his book, as he remembered the racial slurs and taunting he endured during his hockey career, he felt “aggravated.” I was completely out of it for a period, period and a half, before I actually came back to normal. Courtesy Rochester Americans After he retired, James couldn't watch hockey for 10 years. ago] Height 6.02 -- Weight 205 [188 cm/93 kg] Drafted by Detroit Red Wings - round 16 #184 overall 1977 NHL Amateur Draft Regular Season Playoffs; Season So to be able to do something like that for someone, whether it be my race or someone else’s race, it’s just a nice thing to do.”. Valmore James: After nearly 20 years playing junior and professional hockey, Val James settled in Ontario with his wife, Ina. I was more concerned for the players that were with me because I knew if something happened they’d be right there and someone would have gotten hurt for sure.”, “I’m not blaming the whole city of Boston—just those few individuals that felt the need to show their ignorance.”. It’s an automatic shot and that’s what I did. Additional Pages for this Player. “Just from the practices in the big leagues, instinct took over. Unfortunately, work still needs to be done, as was seen recently in Chicago where the Washington Capitals Devante Smith-Pelley faced racial taunts from Blackhawks fans. Val James writes about the bitter and the sweet in his hockey career (Photo/Kwame Damon Mason) James and co-author John Gallagher recount the hostility he endured and the good times the left wing experienced in hockey during the 1970s and 80s in his book, “Black Ice: The Val James Story,” which goes on sale Feb. 1. I just loved it.”. He was one of six children. We would usually go to a handful of games each season and end up in the stairwells between periods playing mini hockey with a souvenir stick and a tape ball for a puck. I didn’t even realize it until somebody told me.”. SCF maintains tools that will allow collectors to manage their collections online, information about what is happening with the hobby, as well as providing robust data to … [11] After only 14 professional NHL hockey games a shoulder injury forced Val James to retire from the sport in 1988. It’s quite an honor, and I’d do it again in a second … When I was doing it at the time I never thought of it that way. Just being able to play in the actual NHL was the only thing that I could think of at that point in time. It was one of those hectic times. Black Ice: The Val James Story. “That was incredible,” James said with a grin. My favorite player then was Amerks tough guy, Val James. View the profiles of people named Val James. Player Overview & Base Stats; Game Finder; News; Career Splits. But it should be. [10], On the ice, James became revered for his fighting ability. As an African-American, James often faced situations at all levels of his career where he was the victim of incidents of racial prejudice by opposing fans, and, sometimes, opposing players. More James Pages. England Hockey League. Now you’ve got color. “He made sure to point me out,” said James when discussing his experience at a tournament in Michigan as a young teenager. Betting has never been better with pre-event and in-play markets available from all over the world. [6] He was not the first Black American to be exclusively trained in the country; that milestone did not occur until 1996, when Mike Grier made his NHL debut. One of the NHL's all-time top enforcers, Dave Brown, singled out James as one of the hardest punching players, and toughest opponents, he had ever fought. Val James writes about the bitter and the sweet in his hockey career (Photo/Kwame Damon Mason) James and co-author John Gallagher recount the hostility he endured and the good times the left wing experienced in hockey during the 1970s and 80s in his book, “Black Ice: The Val James Story,” which goes on sale Feb. 1. [14] His autobiography Black Ice: The Val James Story was released by ECW Press for worldwide distribution in February 2015, coinciding with Black History Month. Statistics of Val James, a hockey player from Ocala, FL born Feb 14 1957 who was active from 1971 to 1988. “Being the first African-American in the NHL didn’t cross my mind. Courtesy Rochester Americans After he retired, James couldn't watch hockey for 10 years. Growing up and playing hockey on Long Island, James was like any other player on the team—he was a hockey player. Narrated by Korey Jackson. But, when he left home he was faced with the stark reality that he was not just a hockey player. Author Bernie Parent. But, while he didn’t score an NHL goal, James scored one of the biggest goals in Rochester Americans history: the goal that clinched the Calder Cup in 1983. SCF maintains tools that will allow collectors to manage their collections online, information about what is happening with the hobby, as well as providing robust data to … The left-winger, well-known in history as becoming the first Black American to play in the NHL, learned he will be inducted into this year’s hall of fame class. Val James endured some harsh treatment while playing in the minors in the 1970s and '80s. STARTER SUSPENDED??? England Hockey League All the information you need about the Vitality Women's and Men's Hockey Leagues, including fixtures, results and tables. Valmore James - more commonly known as Val James - became the first Black American to play in the NHL when he suited up for the Buffalo Sabres in the 1981-82 season. They spiderwebbed the windshield with beer bottles. He didn’t start skating until he was 13 years old and would lace up his skates late at night at Long Island Arena. In those games, he notched 30 penalty minutes and three fights — including one against Terry O’Reilly. “To have my name in the same sentence with Jackie Robinson and Willie O’Ree, it’s like wow! He lives with his family in Pennsylvania. Players – FM Leaders; Teams – FM Leaders; NHL Schedule; Players; Teams; Leagues. My dad’s friend gave me a bunch old hockey programs and yearbooks. Val James. Val James made a living in hockey because of his toughness%2C but his biggest battles were off the ice; Born in Ocala%2C Fla.%2C and raised on … Author Val James. One was the 1973-1974 Royal York Rangers yearbook, which featured a Minor Atom ‘AA’ player named David Reid (see below) who went on to a 961-game NHL career, including three seasons with the Leafs. | | Madden NFL 18 Baltimore Ravens Franchise Ep. James was born in Ocala, Florida and raised in Hauppauge, New York. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Currently a federal prosecutor, John Gallagher is a former White House Fellow and former New York City police officer. Val James: The Forgotten Trailblazer. [12] After retirement, he taught hockey for 10 years before leaving sports altogether. Val James endured some harsh treatment while playing in the minors in the 1970s and '80s. I can’t get away from that,” said James, who published an autobiography in 2015. Left Wing Born Feb 14 1957 -- Ocala, FL [64 yrs. Until Jordan Greenway took to the ice for the US men’s ice hockey team in Pyeongchang, the program had never had an African-American player on its Olympic roster. All the grapes, the melons, the pears and all of that in it and the strawberries. 100 Things Red Wings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. Val James: The Forgotten Trailblazer. WE HAVE BREAKING NEWS, AS WR BRESHAD PERRIMAN HAS BEEN SUSPENDED 4 GAMES, AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR PEDs. Val James in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where he lives. He … “It’s nice to see finally there is a color in the sport besides white, and it’s not that it’s a bad thing,” James noted. [11] After only 14 professional NHL hockey games, a shoulder injury forced James to retire from the sport in 1988. Born in Florida and raised on Long Island, James got a late start to his hockey career. “[It was] another seven before I could even complete a game … It was a hard time because you know all those memories came flooding back.”. Valmore Edwin James (born February 14, 1957) is an American former professional ice hockey left winger, as well as defenseman, who played two seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. James's propensity for using hip checks garnered notoriety in the Erie County Field House, home of the Blades. “I’m black. [16], "O'Ree, James' Contributions Worth Remembering on MLK Day", "Willie O'Ree still blazing way in NHL 50 years later", "NHL Players Born in Florida, United States", "Val James shares his stories on hockey and racism in new book 'Black Ice, "N.H.L. [16] Nowadays, O’Ree serves as the NHL Diversity Ambassador and aims to raise participation of hockey by all races through hosting programs at local ice arenas. by Valmore James and 1 more. Born in central Florida, James grew up on Long Island and received his first pair of skates for his 13th birthday. But, what’s even more shocking is that it took more than 23 years after Canadian-born Willie O’Ree broke the NHL’s color barrier in 1958 for an African-American to break into the league. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around [being a trailblazer],” he said. [5] James became the first Black American to play in the NHL when he debuted with the Sabres. Full Spectrum: The Complete History of The Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club. His name isn’t heralded. My favorite player then was Amerks tough guy, Val James. “It was unbelievable because that’s what I was working for all these years – to get to the NHL,” James said with a smile. “It took me 10 years to get over all the racial slurs I had [heard] before I even watched a hockey game [again],” James said. “[My Doberman would] always submarine me. James was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, said James, who published an autobiography in 2015, Washington Capitals Devante Smith-Pelley faced racial taunts from Blackhawks fans, Aaron Rodgers Trade Rumors: 5 NFL Teams Most Likely To Trade For The Green Bay Packers QB In 2021, Sean O’Malley booked to fight Thomas Almeida, BREAKING NEWS!! On Nov. 1, 1981, Val James became the first Black player born in America to appear in an NHL game, as he suited up for the Buffalo Sabres.Learning about Val James … In those games, he notched 30 penalty minutes and three fights—including one against Terry O’Reilly. Unabridged. [1] James began skating and playing ice hockey in Commack, New York where his father was employed as the manager of an ice rink. As he explains early in his book: “It was really quite simple. Since then, the number of black players—and black American hockey players—has grown. Team president and co-owner Kim Pegula sent congratulatory messages to James via social media, recognizing his historic contribution to hockey. Valmore James - more commonly known as Val James - became the first Black American to play in the NHL when he suited up for the Buffalo Sabres in the 1981-82 season. Follow your team. In those games, he notched 30 penalty minutes and three fights — including one against Terry O’Reilly. “He was talking to me until he came down to the glass and said what he needed to say to me. Val James Overview.

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