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. 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. I just felt defeated," he said. TONY MCKEGNEY: I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I moved [in with my adoptive family]. That was my first exposure, to have a hockey rink in my backyard. 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. Theres another occasion where Ray Neufeld and I got into a scuffle. 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. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. TM: Everything. 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. Born: February 15,1958 inMontreal,Quebec ca, Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32ndoverall), 1978NHLAmateur. Tony McKegney is 64 years old today because Tony's birthday is on 02/15/1958.Tony McKegney currently lives in East Amherst, NY; in the past Tony has also lived in Saint Louis MO, Detroit MI and Buffalo NY.Tony also answers to Tony S Mckegney, Anthony S Mckegney and Anthony F Mckegney, and perhaps a couple of other names. "Everything Bernie Saunders has, he earned, in spite of [whether] there's been prejudice along the way.". Tony McKegney was born in Montreal, Canada. SN: How did it make you feel when you saw it? The people in our hometown of Sarnia, Ont., were so supportive through sports. How does that make you feel? Saunders didn't seem bitter or disappointed about not quite making it in the NHL, Jarrett said. 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. People weren't used to seeing a Black player succeed on the ice. Get access to our unique free agency lists and many more premium features. Saunders, 63, who now lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C., has since retired and written a book about his life. There were three future Hall of Famers who made us all better. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. - Premium Design on your profile page (optional) I know there werent very many [black players]. 32) of the 1978 NHL Draft. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. I take my hat off to Grant. One referee, trying to break up the scuffle, grabbed Jonathan from behind. 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. Sorry we could not verify that email address. Showing Editorial results for sabres tony mckegney. He was a 4x 30-goal scorer and set career highs in 1988 with 40 goals and 78 points. Relatives: Brother Ian McKegney. 6-0 , 200lb (183cm, 90kg) Born: February 15 , 1958 (Age: 64-344d) in Montreal, Quebec ca. 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. Well give you the latest news when it becomes available, or feel free to add some more selections to My Favourites. 'I loved the game, but the game didn't love me': How hockey shaped one of NHL's first black players on and off the ice | CBC News Loaded. And if those people were wrong about his future in hockey, what else might they be wrong about? SN: If you had a chance to talk to the young African-Canadian and African-American kids coming into the game, what would you tell them that you wish youd known? McKegney still does alumni work for the Sabres and Red Wings. It was a personal best for me -- the first and only time I'd join the NHL's 40-goal club. And I followed the advice that the great Willie O'Ree has given so many times: channel your energy into lighting the red light. "I loved the game, but the game didn't love me.". Subscribe: bit.ly/3925J0FVisit Sabres.com for moreFollow: twitter.com/BuffaloSabresLike: facebook.com/buffalosabresF. I was too timid to talk to a girl. My first time playing against another black hockey player was probably my third year in the NHL, Grant Fuhr and Ray Neufeld. He would like for both to be able to remember their father in an NHL uniform. Contents 1 Playing Career 2 Post-Playing Career 3 Career Statistics 4 Accolades 5 Personal Life Playing Career Sabres Host Lightning in Saturday Matinee. It appears the Sabres have made a few late deals. It was wintertime and my dad had floodlights out there. It seemed very normal to me, and no one in our neighborhood or city really treated us any different, he said. It's the kind of impact that wins, losses, and point totals can't capture. When he left, he was the all-time leading scorer. However, the team now had a new farm team, the Fredericton Express, and the organization wanted Saunders to play there. Jets, Hockey Night in Canada: Maple Leafs vs. Canucks on Sportsnet, Hockey Night in Canada: Oilers vs. 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. I pride myself in being maybe the first black player to play consistently in the league, McKegney said. 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. Some hockey portraits on this site are licensed from Images on Ice, Hockeys Photo Agency. All rights reserved. He went to New Brunswick, feeling discouraged but not ready to give up. 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. Saunders said at the time, O'Ree was more of a mythical figure than anything else. Instead, he was drafted 32nd-overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1978 and went on to score over 320 goals. Lightning. Highlighting Black players throughout Buffalo Sabres history. Tony McKegney Height, Weight & Measurements At 63 years old, Tony McKegney height is 1.85 m and Weight 91 kg. And the support I got from teammates just carried me through some difficult situations. Year By Year Fight Totals. "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. He was a 4x 30-goal scorer and set career highs in 1988 with 40 . My parents had three children of their own, and they adopted three children, he said. He played four games with the Nordiques at the end of the 1979-80 season, the team's first season in the NHL. Other blacks are forward Dirk Graham of the Minnesota North Stars, goaltender Eldon Pokey Reddick and forward Paul Neufeld of the Winnipeg Jets. 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. Thats the greatest compliments Ive received from the younger people. Amateur Teams: Kingston Canadians. They were playing Ottawa and there were five black players in the game on the two teams combined. We present them here for purely educational purposes. I feel for them all and support them unequivocally. His older brother John was the first to lace up skates. "We were so influenced by Hockey Night in Canada," he said, of himself and John. Stay tuned to Die By the Blade over the course of the month as we continue to highlight Black players in Buffalo Sabres history. He played six games and didn't score, but played well. Coming into the next season, he thought he was a shoo-in to make the team. When I started in the league, I never would have guessed. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. 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. 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. I probably should have, and I never did that. 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. Saunders says he is happy and has had a good life, thanks in large part to the sport that broke his heart. The Buffalo native was drafted by the Sabres 52nd overall in 2013 and began his pro career with the Sabres and Amerks. Last seen in the 1992-1993 season with the San Diego Gulls (IHL). By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. It's like a catch-22.". 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. I've always been a player that plays on enthusiasm, and I was just losing my zest for the game.". * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Hockey was like that for me -- I was constantly focused on numbers. McKegney was arrested June 23 and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree criminal contempt on July 8, according to court records. All Rights Reserved. McKegney, while striving to help provide black youths more opportunity, will never forget the chance given him by Lowry McKegney, 70. Today, were giving a quick shoutout to former Buffalo Sabres forward Justin Bailey. 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. Its a very expensive sport, and its more of a suburbia sport, McKegney said. Transaction information may be incomplete. Akim Aliu hasnt had the same ability to bounce back from his difficult treatment in the game. Until we get rinks in the inner (American) cities, I dont think thats going to change.. It takes time to grow a sport, he says, and now young black kids have something he didn't: the opportunity to play the game they love with people who look like them, and to see more than one black person playing it at the highest level. He played in St. Louis for two years. 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) A year later, the left winger was ready to join the pros. When he was still a toddler, his family moved to the Toronto area. So, there was a lot of black athletes in town in Buffalo. That's how good he was.". Submit changes (incorrect DOB, missing stats, incorrect stats, social media links etc) using a web form and we will review your update request within 24 hours and update accordingly. "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.". To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:33AM. But Jarrett believes Saunders deserved to be there. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Its basically black children. 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 theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. Looking back on his incredible career and contribution, McKegney shared with me the pleasure, pain and purpose hockey brought to his life. Taking into account various assets, Sue's net worth is greater than $50,000 - $99,999; and makes between $20 - 29,999 a year. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? 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. And there was a ton of it, ugly stuff. Sherry Bassin, 80, is a former junior hockey executive and another person who helped shape Saunders as a hockey player and a person. TM: It just made me want to be better. 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. 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. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. 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. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. It brought back some ghosts and nightmares, memories for me, which I hadnt thought about in a while. Join our linker program. Even reporters, players were coming up to me saying, 'What's going on, Bernie?'". Look, there's a Black player who did what some people said he couldn't. Most recently in the IHL with San Diego Gulls. Search instead in Creative? Today we look at former NHL forward Tony McKegney. Only once has he played in fewer than 60 of the regular seasons 80 games. But I think sports probably helped a lot, because we were known as athletes and so forth. 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). 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 *} 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. He was assigned to the Syracuse Firebirds, one of the Nordiques' farm teams, where he became a fan favourite. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. The things he went through were things I experienced in my time. Do you have a sports website? SN: The numbers of black players at all levels has increased. He is a member of famous with the age 63 years old group. I just had this conversation with one of my former teammates, and he said, We just treated you like one of us brothers.. Odds & lines subject to change. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. McKegney spent less than two years with the Nordiques, and had several more stops around the NHL during the next several seasons. There hadnt been many blacks in the NHL when he arrived, but hopefully his talent made quite a few people color-blind. SN: How has it impacted you as youve moved on from the game? "It was just time. That's the biggest compliment for me.". Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32nd overall), 1978 NHL Amateur. All Rights Reserved. TONY MCKEGNEY: I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I moved [in with my adoptive family]. Tony McKegney. 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 a role model." Embed from Getty Images Getty Images Sport Graig Abel After playing for Pickering, Saunders got a full scholarship to Western Michigan University and played there for four years. Pioneers like Willie O'Ree, Angela James and Grant Fuhr will be featured. Saunders was born in Montreal in 1956. But I had a rink in my backyard, my own playground. If you said Tony McKegney, you are correct. Tony McKegney is a member of famous Ice Hockey list. 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; I was trying to convey something that I think is still true today: Sports can be the common denominator that brings people together. 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. In February 1988, I was interviewed for an article called "Tony McKegney Makes His Mark in the NHL," where I talked about how the season was going and importance of role models. Comments are welcome while open. All Rights Reserved. He retired from the NHL in 1991 with 320 goals and 639 points. Because you never forget scoring 40 in one year. When sports are at their best, that's what they can do. Its just something I never envisioned when I was growing up seeing five black hockey players playing in the same game. I ignored that coach, of course. SN: When you got to the league was it a lonely existence for you? Part one focused on diversity and race in hockey, while part two reflected back on their time with the Sabres/Amerks. And I still struggle with that to this day, with the trauma that I faced and went through. It certainly didn't add up when I was moving to St. Louis before the start of the season. Tony McKegney was bom in Montreal, Quebec, in February of 1958 to a Nigerian father and Canadian mother. I loved basketball, football, baseball, golf. The Bulls released McKegney from his contract, and he joined the Sabres as their second-round draft choice. Find out more. Statistics of Tony McKegney, a hockey player from Montreal, PQ born Feb 15 1958 who was active from 1973 to 1993. But he was reassigned to the minors. I remember the reporter asking me about growing up in a town where there were only two Black families among 50,000 people. 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. He became a standout in hockey while playing junior, scoring 135 points in 66 games in 1976-77. 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 1978-79 until 1990-91. During my career, I know I tried my hardest not to think about them at all. 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. The Buffalo Sabres recently unveiled a partnership with local artist Edreys Wajed in honor of Black History Month. Hes had the most success. But I know my brother took a lot more abuse than I did because I saw it. He jumped to the AHL's Hershey. Hes been an All-Star. So Bassin gave him that chance. But sometimes it comes back to haunt you. Still, I'd been thinking about that particular goal mark for a while. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. I'd been chasing that red light since I started playing hockey at 3 years old. Tony McKegney player profile, stats and championships. 2023 Getty Images. 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. Tony McKegney. of 1 However, the Bills' statement does not specify that Frazi. 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 . By midseason, people started to notice. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. That's where he met Guy Carbonneau, who was in his first full professional season. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Numbers, however, never tell the whole story. And obviously we watched the games, the Leafs and the Red Wings on TV back in the six-team league. He believes the colour of his skin is part of the reason he didn't. And the NHL has done a great job with helping. Bailey, who is biracial, currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks and is in his second season with the organization. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. He learned to fight, to defend himself, but mainly he tried to keep scoring. As a teenager, he played for Jr. 'B' hockey in Sarnia. Please contact us. Youre a great player. 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 (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. They're too neat; too objective. *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont. I guess, if you could say, the guy thats done the best is probably Grant Fuhr, McKegney said of the Edmonton goalie. You get one kick at the can, as they say, in life. It's also available for football, basketball and baseball. "I was just this shy, quiet kid in Chteauguay. 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. The sport that Saunders loved so much, the sport he says shaped him into the person he has become, has also broken his heart many times. Tony McKegney has never won a Stanley Cup as a player. I tried to, basically, suppress a lot of those feelings back then, and I just buried a lot of things. Lightning | Game 61, Sabres Acquire Jordan Greenway, Austin Strand. 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. So, for me, there were just so many good influences. SN: What were the conversations like between you and your brother about the abuse he faced? Most historical data provided by Dan Diamond and Associates. The second person to achieve (and ultimately surpass) this milestone? I relied on the support of my teammates who were always there for me. Overall, his NHL career saw him appear in 912 regular season games and accrue 639 points. Complete player biography and stats. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Tony McKegney (front, second from r.) and his Sarnia Bees teammates of the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League in 1973. - Verification Badge on your profile, Post a scouting report/trivia/player comment in English (visible here). by There have been 93 black players in the NHL. * Some data is missing to provide a correct summary. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. When I came along, obviously there were comments made, but I was so focused on what was happening on the ice. But on the ice, Saunders was still alone. Saunders spent most of his career thinking he was the only black player out there. - Ability to add additional data to your career profile: Videos, Images, Social Media, Referrals, Fitness Testing Results and much more! Tony McKegney weighed 200 lbs (90 kg) when playing. Years later, I found out I was one of the reasons why. SN: Was there a brotherhood among the black players in the league? Wikifamouspeople has ranked Tony McKegney as of the . He is to appear in court in Belleville, Ontario, on May 18. He stayed through 1983 and was a regular almost all of the time. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Tony McKegney But I always wanted to be, and knew I could be, a dominant player. I was at a Queens University hockey game. "People just forget me because I didn't play. Get the best of our NHL coverage and exclusives delivered directly to your inbox! I'm certainly proud to have been one of the first consistent Black players in the NHL. "I believe if he wasn't a black individual he would have played [more] in the NHL. I just pushed the stereotypes to the background and kept hockey in the forefront. 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. 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. Go beyond the basics. To me, there is no better example of such a player than Tony McKegney, who played 13 seasons in the NHL and was the first star of colour. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.". Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. I wanted to be the best hockey player from my hometown. He appeared in 363 regular-season games with Buffalo, putting up 127 goals and adding 141 assists. So I did the only thing I could do: I focused on perseverance. He talked about him, his brother Ian, and his mother who lives in Kincardine. Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Hockey Reference Database. He has no evidence, he says, but he figures race had something to do with it. (approx 1 - 2 per week). So, I reached out. Clearly, Jarome recognized that the 'typical' hockey player could be anyone who loves the game and plays it well.
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