My parents had three children of their own, and they adopted three children, he said. And my brother was four years older than me and and took a lot more abuse than I did.
Black History Month spotlight: McKegney opens doors, fills nets While in Chteauguay, he played for Jacques Demers, who went on to coach the Nordiques and Montreal Canadiens. Years later, I found out I was one of the reasons why. The conversation about black players in hockey is often a binary one even during Black History Month. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. When submitting content, please abide by our, Hockey Night in Canada: Senators vs. Blue Jackets on Sportsnet, Watch Hockey Night in Canada with Steve Dangle: Oilers vs.
Youre going to do well in the NHL. I just praised him, knowing that he was a great player and he was going to play in the NHL for a long time. "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. 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.
Tony McKegney Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com Im sure it affected me. 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. You sort of never felt like you were different. Taking into account various assets, Sue's net worth is greater than $50,000 - $99,999; and makes between $20 - 29,999 a year. Tony McKegney (born Anthony Syiid McKegney on February 15, 1958) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player, who played in the NHL for 13 seasons from 197879 until 199091. Do you have a sports website? I showed up there and I remember sitting on my adoptive mother's knee and looking out the dining . He sat down with Donnovan Bennett to discuss the struggles, success and lessons that came. After leaving the NHL, he had a long, successful career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Do you have a blog? When the last road trip started, I thought about how meaningful it would be to end the season with a goal total that was a round number. But the homeowner's and the coach's comments were unwelcomed reminders that people were constantly viewing me through the lens of my race -- even when I just wanted to be a home renter, or a hockey player. He was coaching the Pickering Panthers, a Junior B team, when he suspended four players for breaking a rule and got four replacements from a lower-level team. 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 appeared in 363 regular-season games with Buffalo, putting up 127 goals and adding 141 assists.
Former Buffalo Sabre Tony McKegney charged with violating order of He is to appear in court in Belleville, Ontario, on May 18. 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. He was assigned to the Syracuse Firebirds, one of the Nordiques' farm teams, where he became a fan favourite. I take my hat off to Grant. It was a personal best for me -- the first and only time I'd join the NHL's 40-goal club. I guess, if you could say, the guy thats done the best is probably Grant Fuhr, McKegney said of the Edmonton goalie. He played four games with the Nordiques at the end of the 1979-80 season, the team's first season in the NHL.
Judge to former NHLer Tony McKegney: 'You were a danger to yourself' Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey, Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREE. Tony McKegney player profile, stats and championships. 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. Youre a great player. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. McKegney was supposed to play in the WHA for the Birmingham Bulls, but the team illegally voided his deal after fans in Alabama threatened a boycott. "We just felt like other Canadian boys and wanted to play hockey.". Only once has he played in fewer than 60 of the regular season's 80 games. And I followed the advice that the great Willie O'Ree has given so many times: channel your energy into lighting the red light. McKegney was the first Black Canadian hockey player to make an impact in the NHL. 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. of 1 But I think sports probably helped a lot, because we were known as athletes and so forth. When he was still a toddler, his family moved to the Toronto area. 1989-1990 Regular Season Fight Card NHL (1) 1987-1988 Regular Season Fight Card NHL (4) 1986-1987 Regular Season Fight Card NHL (1) 1985-1986 Postseason Fight Card NHL (2) 1983-1984 Regular Season Fight Card NHL (1) It was a simple chip-in that just dribbled through the goalie's pads. Height, Weight & Physical Stats: Tony McKegney is 6 feet 1 inches tall and weight 90.7 kilograms. I just had this conversation with one of my former teammates, and he said, We just treated you like one of us brothers.. McKegney was born in Montreal and adopted by a white family in Sarnia. Get all the latest stats, news, videos and more on Tony McKegney / Special to NHL.com, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. My first time playing against another black hockey player was probably my third year in the NHL, Grant Fuhr and Ray Neufeld. Saunders was born in Montreal in 1956. TM: It just made me want to be better. Saunders said at the time, O'Ree was more of a mythical figure than anything else. Browse 82 tony mckegney stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont.
82 Tony Mckegney Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images The coach noticed Saunderscrying in the stands, wanting to be with John, and invited him to play, too. Tony McKegney Height, Weight & Measurements At 63 years old, Tony McKegney height is 1.85 m and Weight 91 kg. Complete record of every goal scored or assisted by the player. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, City mourns Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno as investigation into fatal fire launches, Buffalo firefighter makes 'ultimate sacrifice' in blaze that may have sparked backdraft, Paula's Donuts to move Clarence store that faced backlash for tax breaks to Amherst, Vandal damages 'brokenhearted' Russell Salvatore's tribute park in Lancaster, Chad Hall's departure from Buffalo Bills to Jaguars remains a bit of a mystery. Since then, he has played for five NHL teams - Buffalo, Quebec, Minnesota, New York and St. Louis - scoring a career-high 37 goals in 1980-81. That's the biggest compliment for me.". Saunders was sent back to the minors, without any explanation. Saunders says it's tremendous.
Enter your email address to get a new one. Pages with non-numeric formatnum arguments. Join our linker program. He says he doesn't watch much anymore. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:33AM. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. McKegney would remain with the Sabres through the 1982-83 season before enjoying a lengthy NHL career that took him across the United States and into Canada. Then the Buffalo Braves were there, the basketball team. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Saunders spent most of his career thinking he was the only black player out there.
Sabres Tony Mckegney Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images It's a big deal that Grant, Willie, and now Jarome have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Some may find that number low. BIOGRAPHY. Clearly, Jarome recognized that the 'typical' hockey player could be anyone who loves the game and plays it well. 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. Still, I'd been thinking about that particular goal mark for a while. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Dont forget to read the Q&A we did with several Black players who spent time with the Buffalo Sabres organization. We didn't recognize that password reset code. Tony McKegney was born in Montreal, Canada. At age 5, I started playing organized hockey. Jonathan freaked out. He said, Just turn on the red light, which means scoring a goal. SPORTSNET: What was your first exposure to the game of hockey? I'd been chasing that red light since I started playing hockey at 3 years old. [RELATED: Black History Month coverage |Hockey Is For Everyone coverage].
Q&A: Tony McKegney on the NHL's overlooked generation of black players Bailey has appeared in three games with the Canucks this season and was placed on injured reserve on February 12 with an upper-body injury. There is one number, though, that says a lot about the season I had in 1987-88. Continue reading to discover who is Tony McKegney. McKegney was drafted 32nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. Thats the greatest compliments Ive received from the younger people. 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. He jumped to the AHLs Hershey Bears and then the Sabres, making his NHL debut in the 1978-79 season. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. 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. 1978 round 2 #32 overall by Buffalo Sabres, OMJHL McKegney, while striving to help provide black youths more opportunity, will never forget the chance given him by Lowry McKegney, 70. He was a 4x 30-goal scorer and set career highs in 1988 with 40 . Bassin knew Saunders was getting racist taunts, but said Saunders always handled it in stride and never let it get to him. I was there in the audience watching the games, and I heard the comments that were [made about him]. At the same time, he's disappointed that he's been excluded from conversations about the first black players in the NHL. "I was incredulous. After scoring 36 goals for the Sabres in 1982-83, McKegney was traded to the Quebec Nordiques. But Jarrett believes Saunders deserved to be there. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. McKegney spent less than two years with the Nordiques, and had several more stops around the NHL during the next several seasons. By midseason, people started to notice. Gambling problem? Throughout 15 years of professional hockey, I'm lucky enough to say that there are many moments I'm proud of. I've always been a player that plays on enthusiasm, and I was just losing my zest for the game.". TM: We just sort of stayed away from it. Go beyond the basics. I was trying to convey something that I think is still true today: Sports can be the common denominator that brings people together. There were five centermen on that team who were great passers, and when you're playing with so many good centermen, you're going to get chances every game. He played in Detroit for only 14 games before being traded back to the Quebec Nordiques on December 4, 1989 in exchange for Robert Picard and Greg Adams. Pioneers like Willie O'Ree, Angela James and Grant Fuhr will be featured. Important: An official team/league url or a team document must be provided for us to update player stats. It appears the Sabres have made a few late deals. Thats basically what got me where I am today., Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. He believes he could have had a 10-year career in the NHL if he had been given a proper shot. He believes the colour of his skin is part of the reason he didn't. Or write about sports? Hockey was like that for me -- I was constantly focused on numbers. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. When sports are at their best, that's what they can do. There was nothing special about the goal.
Celebrating Black History Month: Tony McKegney - Die By The Blade McKegney was selected 32nd overall in 1978 after scoring 92 points with the Kingston Canadians. They started out with walker-type things out on the ice, and then they graduated to the point where they were scrimmaging, McKegney said. 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. Today we look at former NHL forward Tony McKegney. Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane on salary cap, Gabe Davis expectations, Damar Hamlin update and more, Sabres place Alex Tuch on injured reserve; top-line winger's status is uncertain, Owner of Buffalo CPA firm denies claims of financial, workplace wrongdoing, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier to take year off from coaching, Yellow Corp. to close two trucking terminals, Sabres acquire defenseman Riley Stillman from Vancouver for prospect Josh Bloom, 14 police agencies break up fights outside Boulevard Mall, Democrats explore blue-collar struggles as brand is 'damaged', Erie County comptroller calls for state to investigate Forest Lawn, Oklahoma RB Eric Gray at the NFL scouting combine, Ohio State C Luke Wypler speaks at the NFL scouting combine, UB players mom sings stirring rendition of national anthem on senior night, Serena Williams says her daughter doesn't like playing tennis.
Its basically black children. TM: I liked all sports. 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 it wasn't hard to find a different place to live in St. Louis, which is a wonderful city that I've always enjoyed. The more hockey lives up to those ideals, the better we'll all be. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. TM: I knew John because we were teammates, we were roommates, and it seemed out of character for him. Tony McKegney has never won a Stanley Cup as a player. Well give you the latest news when it becomes available, or feel free to add some more selections to My Favourites. So, we laughed about it later on over a few beers. Tony McKegney has not been elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The focus was just on playing hockey. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. Playing hockey at a high level is difficult enough without navigating the pressures of racism in society or figuring out how to respond to the supposed "fan" with a sign that says, "McKegney, grab a basketball" behind the Zamboni entrance. 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. I showed up there and I remember sitting on my adoptive mothers knee and looking out the dining room window at this ice rink. "I loved the game, but the game didn't love me.". 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. - EP Contact Book listing of your profile (optional) Tony McKegney's birthday is on 15-Feb-1958 and was born on Saturday. Boards and the whole thing. All Rights Reserved. Saunders, 63, who now lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C., has since retired and written a book about his life. And I just thought to myself, What are they doing out there? And I couldnt wait to go out there and join them at a year-and-a-half. Reality doesn't always add up. tony mckegney family https://iccleveland.org/wp-content/themes/icc/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 ICC ICC https://iccleveland.org/wp-content/themes/icc/images . 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. When you and your teammates compete together, practice together, eat together, and grow up together, you start to see people for who they are. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. Born: February 15,1958 inMontreal,Quebec ca, Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32ndoverall), 1978NHLAmateur. McKegney scored 37 goals in 1980-81. All rights reserved. WHA hat tricks courtesy Scott Surgent. Sue maintains relationships with many people -- family, friends, associates, & neighbors -- including Daniel Mckegney, Daniel Mckegney, Marilynn Habberfie, Roger Habberfield and Tony Mckegney. There weren't many black players in the junior league at the time. 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. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Brent Jarrett played with him in Kalamazoo, Mich.,that season. 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. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 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. He continued to score despite playing no more than three seasons with the same team for the rest of his career. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. It made me angry, made me sad. Customize your lineup with your favourite leagues and teams.
Former NHL star sent to jail | The Kingston Whig Standard And I know they weren't alone in their thoughts. To see your localized preferences, please enable geolocation services in your browser settings. More Tony McKegney videos. 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. Another referee determined he made a kicking motion and gave him a match penalty. The funny thing is that Im starting to enjoy the game more than I ever have, he said. - Verification Badge on your profile, Post a scouting report/trivia/player comment in English (visible here). 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. "It felt like they were ripping out my heart. It saddens me to hear the accounts of the current crop of Black players and other players of color that are still facing the same obstacles and ugly behavior that I encountered when I was their age. Bernie Saunders played 10 games for the Quebec Nordiques, but he and others say his career would have been longer if he wasnt black. SN: How has it impacted you as youve moved on from the game? Hes been an All-Star. (Tony McKegney, the fourth black player, debuted in 1978). Tony McKegney. And the support I got from teammates just carried me through some difficult situations. Enter Search Term. I wanted to be the best hockey player from my hometown. He says he has moved on. Lightning | Game 61, Sabres Acquire Jordan Greenway, Austin Strand. Want to more about Him? He was told teams were interested in trading for him, but the Nordiques didn't let him go. He was released on his own recognizance by City Court. He played six games and didn't score, but played well. As a teenager he played Jr. 'B' hockey in Sarnia. Tony McKegney was bom in Montreal, Quebec, in February of 1958 to a Nigerian father and Canadian mother. Unlimited access for the whole family until Feb 21. I feel that I had a pretty good upbringing. Highlighting Black players throughout Buffalo Sabres history. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont. Like I said, numbers never tell the whole story. Born 1958-02-15 in Montral, Quebec.
Tony McKegney Tells His Story of How He Came to Buffalo | Sabres I tried to, basically, suppress a lot of those feelings back then, and I just buried a lot of things. SN: How did it make you feel when you saw it? - Connect directly with players, coaches, teams, scouts and agents (optional) TM: I just would tell them to persevere. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. And between the benches, one of the guys said it would be termed as a black-on-black crime. Buffalo looks to bounce back with a clean slate against another tough team. Tony played for the Buffalo Sabres for 5 years until June 8, 1983 when he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques along with Andre Savard, Jean-Francois Sauve and Buffalo's third-round choice in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Real Cloutier and Quebec's first-round pick in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. His point production dropped off, but he was still eventually called up to the big club. An error has occurred while trying to update your details.
It's also available for football, basketball and baseball. Back in 1988, I'm not sure if I realized what it really meant. 710K subscribers Tony McKegney is one of the pioneers of breaking the colour barrier within the NHL.
This Birthday in Buffalo Sports History: Tony McKegney Following his time in Buffalo, he spent two seasons with the Quebec Nordiques, then made stops in Minnesota (North Stars), New York (Rangers), St. Louis and Detroit before finding his way back to Quebec. 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. When I started in the league, I never would have guessed. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.". He became a standout in hockey while playing junior, scoring 135 points in 66 games in 1976-77. Go inside the Hockey Reference Database. McKegney, a Montreal native who was raised in Sarnia by his adoptive family, was drafted by the Sabres with the 32nd overall pick in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. 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. "I believe if he wasn't a black individual he would have played [more] in the NHL. Other than that, I hadnt played against another black hockey player my whole life. And my teammates treated me like I was not any different than anybody. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Sherry Bassin, 80, is a former junior hockey executive and another person who helped shape Saunders as a hockey player and a person. While in Minnesota, he joined the late John Mariucci and Cal Peterson to form an inner-city hockey league for youths. How does that make you feel? SN: What were the conversations like with your parents about it? (Tony) McKegney will need to be working on his paddle stroke or riding as a passenger. One was Saunders.
Tony McKegney Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family But he was reassigned to the minors. 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. Comments are welcome while open. It certainly didn't add up when I was moving to St. Louis before the start of the season. 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. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Anytime I faced adversity, I said, Okay, Im going to put a couple of pucks in the net today for sure. And I was just going to show everybody that I was as good or better than them. 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.