Blacks in the NHL - The Fans Speak Out

Hockey Digest, March, 2003 by Patrick Kelley

As a longtime reader, I often enjoy the "Names & Numbers" section where you usually produce a list or two of some type of hockey record-holders or such. I was wondering if you would consider doing a list of all of the African-Americans to play in the NHL? Most hockey fans know Willie O'Ree came first in 1958, then Mike Marson in 1974. But who else has there been and how many African-Americans total have played? How many active black players are there? I collect hockey cards and am considering compiling a "Blacks in Hockey" binder or two. Your list would really come in handy, plus serve to highlight the contributions made by blacks to the sport of pro hockey. Jarome Iginla and Georges Lareque are creating a buzz right now in the NHL as are Kevin Weekes and Donald Brashear. So, how about it?

Thanks for a great magazine. I especially love "The Game I'll Never Forget."

Patrick Kelley
Bryans Road, Md.

Patrick, in preparing a special section on diversity in the NHL last season (which included Willie O'Ree's "Game I'll Never Forget"), we attempted to get a definitive list of black NHL players from the league, but were unable to. We will try to put a list together from a number of sources in the coming months and if we are successful you can look for it in an upcoming issue. If anyone has a list of black players past and present or knows where to get one, please feel free to drop us a line.