Sue maintains relationships with many people -- family, friends, associates, & neighbors -- including Daniel Mckegney, Daniel Mckegney, Marilynn Habberfie, Roger Habberfield and Tony Mckegney. A year later, the left winger was ready to join the pros. I pride myself in being maybe the first black player to play consistently in the league, McKegney said. "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. Looking back on his incredible career and contribution, McKegney shared with me the pleasure, pain and purpose hockey brought to his life. That's the biggest compliment for me.". 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. Theres another occasion where Ray Neufeld and I got into a scuffle. "I think for us growing and trying to make it into the NHL, guys like [Bernie], who help you and calm you at the right time, it was huge.". It's also available for football, basketball and baseball. Lightning. Tony McKegney. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. By midseason, people started to notice. 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. 710K subscribers Tony McKegney is one of the pioneers of breaking the colour barrier within the NHL. Stay tuned to Die By the Blade over the course of the month as we continue to highlight Black players in Buffalo Sabres history. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. SN: How has it impacted you as youve moved on from the game? 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. / Special to NHL.com, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. BIOGRAPHY. McKegney spent less than two years with the Nordiques, and had several more stops around the NHL during the next several seasons. TM: No, not really. "I literally got through the game, went into this closet, and I just cried. Most recently in the IHL with San Diego Gulls. Hes been an All-Star. 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. 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. From the time he was in the crib, Jonathan was obsessed with the sport, and so he followed in his father's footsteps. I relied on the support of my teammates who were always there for me. We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Even reporters, players were coming up to me saying, 'What's going on, Bernie?'". Pioneers like Willie O'Ree, Angela James and Grant Fuhr will be featured. He is to appear in court in Belleville, Ontario, on May 18. Get the best of our NHL coverage and exclusives delivered directly to your inbox! McKegney, while striving to help provide black youths more opportunity, will never forget the chance given him by Lowry McKegney, 70. 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. 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. It was a simple chip-in that just dribbled through the goalie's pads. My dad felt he could do something for the amount of kids that were homeless or without parents per se.. All Rights Reserved. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. 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. Look, there's a Black player who did what some people said he couldn't. But sometimes it comes back to haunt you. "It was just time. After completing the 1990-91 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Tony would spend a season in Italy with HC Varese as well as three games with the Canadian National Team. 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. 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. Tony was born on February 15, 1958 in Montreal, Quebec.. Tony is one of the famous and trending celeb who is popular for being a Ice Hockey. TONY MCKEGNEY: I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I moved [in with my adoptive family]. He was assigned to the Syracuse Firebirds, one of the Nordiques' farm teams, where he became a fan favourite. 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. 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 scored 37 goals in 1980-81. 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. He was inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame in 1994. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Boards and the whole thing. Born: February 15,1958 inMontreal,Quebec ca, Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32ndoverall), 1978NHLAmateur. It barely made it over the line. I just pushed the stereotypes to the background and kept hockey in the forefront. "We just felt like other Canadian boys and wanted to play hockey.". And I know they weren't alone in their thoughts. Saunders says it's tremendous. I guess, if you could say, the guy thats done the best is probably Grant Fuhr, McKegney said of the Edmonton goalie. Oilers' Mike Green out three to four weeks with knee injury, Islanders re-assign Josh Ho-Sang to Blues' AHL affiliate. I take my hat off to Grant. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. Contents 1 Playing Career 2 Post-Playing Career 3 Career Statistics 4 Accolades 5 Personal Life Playing Career I've always considered it a great compliment to play a small part in Jarome's story. And if those people were wrong about his future in hockey, what else might they be wrong about? 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. Sign up for Stathead Hockey - first month free. Instead, he was drafted 32nd-overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1978 and went on to score over 320 goals. 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. So, there was a lot of black athletes in town in Buffalo. McKegney vividly recalls the support from his parents - Lowry McKegney, a retired chemist, and Cathy McKegney. Hockey made me gave me all the confidence in the world.". 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. 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. It's not the 40 goals I scored. "I was incredulous. ago] Height 6.01 -- Weight 200 [185 cm/91 kg] Drafted by Buffalo Sabres - round 2 #32 overall 1978 NHL Amateur Draft Regular Season Playoffs; Buffalo looks to bounce back with a clean slate against another tough team. It's a big deal that Grant, Willie, and now Jarome have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Tony McKegney erased any doubt that a black player could be a prominent goal-scorer in the NHL. Saunders says he is happy and has had a good life, thanks in large part to the sport that broke his heart. 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. I've always been a player that plays on enthusiasm, and I was just losing my zest for the game.". McKegney was born in Montreal and adopted by a white family in Sarnia. Will the Sabres make some moves today to improve their post-season chances? He played six games and didn't score, but played well. Enter Search Term. 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. WHA hat tricks courtesy Scott Surgent. Saunders, a right-winger, played 10 games for the Quebec Nordiques in 1979-80 and 1980-81. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont. The more hockey lives up to those ideals, the better we'll all be. But Jarrett believes Saunders deserved to be there. Join our linker program. Im sure it affected me. He scored a goal in that game and got a standing ovation from the crowd. Most historical data provided by Dan Diamond and Associates. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. Tony McKegneny (c.) with his sons, Dan (l.), and Robert. Tony McKegney (r.) with brothers Mike (l.) and Steve in front of their house in Sarnia, Ontario in 1970. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. "I could not imagine [why] this guy wasn't given a better opportunity," Bassin said. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. While in Minnesota, he joined the late John Mariucci and Cal Peterson to form an inner-city hockey league for youths. Sabres Memories is presented by BCBSWNY. 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 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. Saunders spent most of his career thinking he was the only black player out there. Youre a great player. Buy his book. 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. Pages with non-numeric formatnum arguments. I dont have any theory why Tony has played with so many teams. They were playing Ottawa and there were five black players in the game on the two teams combined. Jarrett won the scoring title and says he couldn't have done it without Saunders at his side. 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. These brave athletes are actively changing hockey culture for the better. by TM: Its wonderful. 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. Taking into account various assets, Sue's net worth is greater than $50,000 - $99,999; and makes between $20 - 29,999 a year. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. And my brother was four years older than me and and took a lot more abuse than I did. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. SN: Given what you went through in your career, does it make it tougher to hear stories of the abuse faced by players who came after you? I wanted to be the best, that was a driving force. Sabres Send Asplund to Nashville for 7th Rounder, 2023 NHL Trade Deadline: Open Thread & How To Watch. Jets on Sportsnet, Marchment, Pavelski end droughts as Stars dominate Avalanche, Cooper on benching Stamkos, Kucherov, Point: 'Weren't giving us the best chance to win', Bertuzzi sets up goal, Bruins stretch winning-streak in win over Rangers, Lightning fall to Sabres, bench Kucherov, Stamkos, Point for third period, {* backButton *} I ignored that coach, of course. Id like to make the best of the last couple of years.. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. I remember the reporter asking me about growing up in a town where there were only two Black families among 50,000 people. Saunders was sent back to the minors, without any explanation. - Improve your search rank SN: When you got to the league was it a lonely existence for you? All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. This is especially true for a sport like hockey, where community, respect, and teamwork have always been important values. We didn't recognize that password reset code. Dont forget to read the Q&A we did with several Black players who spent time with the Buffalo Sabres organization. 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. Like I said, numbers never tell the whole story. 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. Reality doesn't always add up. '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. On June 15, 1989, Tony was traded to the Detroit Red Wings along with Bernie Federko in exchange for Adam Oates and Paul MacLean. "I believe if he wasn't a black individual he would have played [more] in the NHL. 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. Today, were giving a quick shoutout to former Buffalo Sabres forward Justin Bailey. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. 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. Find out more. My mindset was focused on maintaining a consistent level of play to succeed in the National Hockey League. Subscribe: bit.ly/3925J0FVisit Sabres.com for moreFollow: twitter.com/BuffaloSabresLike: facebook.com/buffalosabresF. of 1 Tony McKegney is a member of famous Ice Hockey list. 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. Obviously, I know Im on the back 9 - if you want to compare it to golf. Only once has he played in fewer than 60 of the regular season's 80 games. Part one focused on diversity and race in hockey, while part two reflected back on their time with the Sabres/Amerks. Tony McKegney weighed 200 lbs (90 kg) when playing. Tony McKegney has not been elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. He paved the way for me. 6-0 , 200lb (183cm, 90kg) Born: February 15 , 1958 (Age: 64-344d) in Montreal, Quebec ca. At age 5, I started playing organized hockey. Tony McKegney 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 just tried to shut everything else out. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Of his 13 years in the NHL, he spent the most time with the Sabres. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. Some may find that number low. Born 1958-02-15 in Montral, Quebec. "I could deal with it individually, but to see my son go through it was just overwhelming.". He jumped to the AHLs Hershey Bears and then the Sabres, making his NHL debut in the 1978-79 season. 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 left the NHL after 1990-91 with 639 points (320 goals, 319 assists). So, I reached out. "People just forget me because I didn't play. (Tony McKegney, the fourth black player, debuted in 1978). Odds & lines subject to change. (Born onFebruary 15, 1958) -- Tony McKegney was something of a pioneer in the world of hockey. He was a 4x 30-goal scorer and set career highs in 1988 with 40 . Some hockey portraits on this site are licensed from Images on Ice, Hockeys Photo Agency. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:33AM. Saunders scored twice in his debut, and it quickly became clear to Bassin he should have been playing at a higher level. I suppressed a lot of things over the years. With a Premium subscription, you'll get access to over 30 tools, features and benefits.