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Do you have a sports website? It brought back some ghosts and nightmares, memories for me, which I hadnt thought about in a while. When sports are at their best, that's what they can do. Dont forget to read the Q&A we did with several Black players who spent time with the Buffalo Sabres organization. I feel that I had a pretty good upbringing. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. Even now, when I tell the story of the 1987-1988 season, I use a lot of numbers to explain why the season turned out so special. That fast-forwarding tends to bypass the magical middle and the stories of many players who felt alone but nonetheless accomplished great things, opening opportunities for those who followed. He heard the N-word on the ice and from fans in the stands, and opponents always made sure to finish their checks on him. As of 2018 Tony McKegney is 59 years years old. Take control of your EliteProspects profile! All rights reserved. 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. They were there for me for the most part. Overall, his NHL career saw him appear in 912 regular season games and accrue 639 points. After leaving the NHL, he had a long, successful career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He said, Just turn on the red light, which means scoring a goal. Other blacks are forward Dirk Graham of the Minnesota North Stars, goaltender Eldon Pokey Reddick and forward Paul Neufeld of the Winnipeg Jets. And between the benches, one of the guys said it would be termed as a black-on-black crime. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. 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. The people in our hometown of Sarnia, Ont., were so supportive through sports. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. 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. Tony McKegney is a member of famous Ice Hockey list. 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. Tony sun sign is Aquarius and his birth flower is Violet & Primrose. TM: I remember mentioning to Grant Fuhr, it mightve been an All-Star Game or something, I said, Youre lucky. McKegney vividly recalls the support from his parents - Lowry McKegney, a retired chemist, and Cathy McKegney. A t-shirt with this logo is available for purchase here, with a portion of proceeds going to Breaking Barriers. 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. Season Players Videos. So I found myself focused on a number, 40, throughout the last stretch of games. Until we get rinks in the inner (American) cities, I dont think thats going to change.. Editor's note: As part of the NHL celebrating Black History Month throughout February, NHL.com will present first-person essays by some of the game's key Black players and executives. 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. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Because you never forget scoring 40 in one year. Hes won Stanley Cups.. McKegney was born in Montreal and adopted by a white family in Sarnia. TM: We just sort of stayed away from it. Amateur Teams: Kingston Canadians. 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. And obviously we watched the games, the Leafs and the Red Wings on TV back in the six-team league. Important: An official team/league url or a team document must be provided for us to update player stats. 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. Search instead in Creative? I remember starting the season with 10 goals in the first 15 games and getting a lot of ice time. It was never published. He played four games with the Nordiques at the end of the 1979-80 season, the team's first season in the NHL. He was the fifth black man to play in the league. 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. You get one kick at the can, as they say, in life. TM: I liked all sports. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Its just something I never envisioned when I was growing up seeing five black hockey players playing in the same game. There were a few other (skaters) that were sort of up and down.. 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. In retrospect, I can now see how it was an important milestone for people who look like me: No Black player had ever scored 40 goals in a season not until that game against Winnipeg, where a little chip-in ended up making history. Relatives: Brother Ian McKegney. (Tony McKegney, the fourth black player, debuted in 1978). Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Bailey, who is biracial, currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks and is in his second season with the organization. And if those people were wrong about his future in hockey, what else might they be wrong about? 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. My first time playing against another black hockey player was probably my third year in the NHL, Grant Fuhr and Ray Neufeld. He is to appear in court in Belleville, Ontario, on May 18. Browse 82 tony mckegney stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Other than that, I hadnt played against another black hockey player my whole life. Showing Editorial results for sabres tony mckegney. Years later, I found out I was one of the reasons why. Do you have a blog? 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. It was wintertime and my dad had floodlights out there. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. McKegney was arrested June 23 and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree criminal contempt on July 8, according to court records. Highlighting Black players throughout Buffalo Sabres history. He has no evidence, he says, but he figures race had something to do with it. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. John Kreiser, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. Its basically black children. 32) of the 1978 NHL Draft. TM: I heard some stories about the tough guys like George Laraque, Peter Worrell and Donald Brashear, and apparently it was absolutely brutal for those guys in Quebec. Bernie Saunders, one of the NHL's first black players, never thought he would find himself coaching youth hockey. SN: What were the conversations like between you and your brother about the abuse he faced? Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. 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. TM: I had several concussions, so thats not been a good scenario for me. One house seemed perfect for me and my wife, Sue. 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. The hockey portion and the support from teammates and my parents and other hockey parents all the way along got me through it. 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. The funny thing is that Im starting to enjoy the game more than I ever have, he said. Numbers, however, never tell the whole story. Today, were giving a quick shoutout to former Buffalo Sabres forward Justin Bailey. Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Hockey Reference Database. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. I just pushed the stereotypes to the background and kept hockey in the forefront. Drafted 1974, 1 #2 overall by Kingston Canadians in the OHL Priority Selection, Cult/Star player for Kingston Frontenacs. Still, I'd been thinking about that particular goal mark for a while. It's something that most Black players at the time trained themselves to do, even though we shouldn't have needed to. 2023 Getty Images. Taking into account various assets, Sue's net worth is greater than $50,000 - $99,999; and makes between $20 - 29,999 a year. NHL Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Complete record of every goal scored or assisted by the player. But hockey was a window of opportunity because we saw people from our area making it. All Rights Reserved. In this article, we covered Tony McKegney's net worth, wiki, bio, career, height, weight, pics, family, affairs, car, salary, age, facts, and other details in 2022. "I was just this shy, quiet kid in Chteauguay. Don't miss out - sign up for our newsletters! It was my 10th season in the League, and I'd gotten more comfortable over time. I wanted to be the best hockey player from my hometown. As of this date, Sue is single. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Sometimes what has been said in the past is that once hes established he doesnt produce as much. When I started in the league, I never would have guessed. Saunders scored twice in his debut, and it quickly became clear to Bassin he should have been playing at a higher level. His point production dropped off, but he was still eventually called up to the big club. Theres another occasion where Ray Neufeld and I got into a scuffle. McKegney scored 37 goals in 1980-81. It's like a catch-22.". Tony McKegney, former NHLer and ambassador for, Hockey is for Everyone, congratulates a participant during the clinic sponsored by the NHL and the. My mindset was focused on maintaining a consistent level of play to succeed in the National Hockey League. He believes the colour of his skin is part of the reason he didn't. McKegney spent less than two years with the Nordiques, and had several more stops around the NHL during the next several seasons. Stay tuned to Die By the Blade over the course of the month as we continue to highlight Black players in Buffalo Sabres history. And I still struggle with that to this day, with the trauma that I faced and went through. 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. It barely made it over the line. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:33AM. TM: I just would tell them to persevere. Sabres Host Lightning in Saturday Matinee. TONY MCKEGNEY: I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I moved [in with my adoptive family]. We only use official stats. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. McKegney recalls no special obstacles for him or his two adoptive brothers, who are also black, as they were growing up with a racially mixed family in a city of 50,000. We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Carbonneau, a Hall of Famer who played and coached for the Canadiens and now works as an analyst, remembers Saunders as an honest player and hard worker someone who could do pretty much anything on the ice and served as a veteran presence on the team. The subtext of the situation was clear: Because I'm a Black man, there were certain things the homeowner felt like I couldn't or shouldn't do. 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 would like for both to be able to remember their father in an NHL uniform. by SPORTSNET: What was your first exposure to the game of hockey? Saunders, a right-winger, played 10 games for the Quebec Nordiques in 1979-80 and 1980-81. 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; 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. 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. I was there in the audience watching the games, and I heard the comments that were [made about him]. But I always wanted to be, and knew I could be, a dominant player. Part of the reason McKegney wants to continue a while longer is because of sons Daniel, 2 1/2 , and Robert, 7 months. Caught off balance, his foot went flying in the air. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. That's where he met Guy Carbonneau, who was in his first full professional season. *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. Who was the first Black player to top 40 goals in an NHL season? Looking back on his incredible career and contribution, McKegney shared with me the pleasure, pain and purpose hockey brought to his life. Jarrett won the scoring title and says he couldn't have done it without Saunders at his side. 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. His best season came with the St. Louis Blues in 1987-88, when he had NHL career highs of 40 goals and 78 points. Tony McKegney was bom in Montreal, Quebec, in February of 1958 to a Nigerian father and Canadian mother. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. And that was the Buffalo Sabres. I'd been chasing that red light since I started playing hockey at 3 years old. 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. 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. Contents 1 Playing Career 2 Post-Playing Career 3 Career Statistics 4 Accolades 5 Personal Life Playing Career Sign up for Stathead Hockey - first month free. "I got a lot of feedback from people in Canada that they were accepted in the schoolyard or outdoor rink because they could point to me as being a person of color playing in the National Hockey League. Tony McKegney has not been elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. They were playing Ottawa and there were five black players in the game on the two teams combined. 6-0 , 200lb (183cm, 90kg) Born: February 15 , 1958 (Age: 64-344d) in Montreal, Quebec ca. 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. Join our linker program. Last seen in the 1992-1993 season with the San Diego Gulls (IHL). So that support carried over all the negative stuff that happened. Continue reading to discover who is Tony McKegney. 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. 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. It's a big deal that Grant, Willie, and now Jarome have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. - EP Contact Book listing of your profile (optional) the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. Born 1958-02-15 in Montral, Quebec. He is not dating anyone. I ignored that coach, of course. Tony currently does periodic work on behalf of the Red Wings Alumni Association and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team. Sorry we could not verify that email address. At the same time, he's disappointed that he's been excluded from conversations about the first black players in the NHL. Only once has he played in fewer than 60 of the regular season's 80 games. There isnt enough recent news in your lineup. 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. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Would you like to create an account so you can see these Favourites on your other devices too? "People just forget me because I didn't play. 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. I wanted to be the best, that was a driving force. Your existing password has not been changed. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. 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. 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. Things just felt right that year. 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. I just felt defeated," he said. 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. '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. Enter Search Term. Hes had the most success. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.". While in Minnesota, he joined the late John Mariucci and Cal Peterson to form an inner-city hockey league for youths. Previously, in the early '80s, one of my team's assistant coaches advised me to start dating a Black woman instead of Sue for similarly ignorant and bigoted reasons. Brother: Ian McKegney My mother and father -- who adopted me from an orphanage in Montreal, and who happen to be white -- built a hockey rink in our backyard every winter, where I'd skate with my siblings. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Id like to make the best of the last couple of years.. "I was incredulous. Saunders said at the time, O'Ree was more of a mythical figure than anything else. Like I said, numbers never tell the whole story. McKegney still does alumni work for the Sabres and Red Wings. He has three 30-goal seasons. "We were so influenced by Hockey Night in Canada," he said, of himself and John. Tony McKegney Height, Weight & Measurements At 63 years old, Tony McKegney height is 1.85 m and Weight 91 kg. (Tony McKegney, the fourth black player, debuted in 1978). Statistics of Tony McKegney, a hockey player from Montreal, PQ born Feb 15 1958 who was active from 1973 to 1993. But Jarrett believes Saunders deserved to be there. Former NHL forward Tony McKegney has been charged with impaired driving on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. People weren't used to seeing a Black player succeed on the ice. He was assigned to the Syracuse Firebirds, one of the Nordiques' farm teams, where he became a fan favourite. So Bassin gave him that chance. WHA hat tricks courtesy Scott Surgent. One was Saunders. By midseason, people started to notice. On June 15, 1989, Tony was traded to the Detroit Red Wings along with Bernie Federko in exchange for Adam Oates and Paul MacLean. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario.