Other than that, I hadnt played against another black hockey player my whole life. So Bassin gave him that chance. 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. . TM: Its wonderful. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. "People just forget me because I didn't play. 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. Sign up for EP Premium and verify your profile to access these benefits. 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. But I had a rink in my backyard, my own playground. Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey, Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREE. 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 left the NHL after 1990-91 with 639 points (320 goals, 319 assists). I remember starting the season with 10 goals in the first 15 games and getting a lot of ice time. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. 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. He was the fifth black man to play in the league. 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). 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. The things he went through were things I experienced in my time. 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. When he left, he was the all-time leading scorer. Jarrett won the scoring title and says he couldn't have done it without Saunders at his side. Tony McKegney Born: February 15,1958 inMontreal,Quebec ca, Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32ndoverall), 1978NHLAmateur. I've always been a player that plays on enthusiasm, and I was just losing my zest for the game.". Comments are welcome while open. TM: It just made me want to be better. So, we laughed about it later on over a few beers. I've always considered it a great compliment to play a small part in Jarome's story. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Buffalo was very interesting because we hung around with the football players. 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. I was scared to say a peep in class. You may have created an account with another Rogers Media account that can be used to sign in here. All rights reserved. It's a big deal that Grant, Willie, and now Jarome have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? 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. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. Of course, I also thought about the bonus clause in my contract, which promised $15,000 if I happened to score 40 goals (that was a lot of money in those days). The year after he graduated, he had offers from a few teams. So that support carried over all the negative stuff that happened. They were playing Ottawa and there were five black players in the game on the two teams combined. That was my first exposure, to have a hockey rink in my backyard. Overall, his NHL career saw him appear in 912 regular season games and accrue 639 points. I think his biggest value to our club has been his ability to score, Blues coach Jacques Martin said. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. 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. Only once has he played in fewer than 60 of the regular season's 80 games. Buffalo looks to bounce back with a clean slate against another tough team. Born 1958-02-15 in Montral, Quebec. TM: No, not really. Unlimited access for the whole family until Feb 21. 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. Former NHL forward Tony McKegney has been charged with impaired driving on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. 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. "I could deal with it individually, but to see my son go through it was just overwhelming.". 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 goal is to make stereotypes disappear by making people from all backgrounds feel welcome, celebrated, and empowered on an equal playing field. Its just something I never envisioned when I was growing up seeing five black hockey players playing in the same game. In fact, I think their parents were thinking about saying, Look, why dont you just go play soccer, because it was so bad as far as the remarks. Don't miss out - sign up for our newsletters! My mindset was focused on maintaining a consistent level of play to succeed in the National Hockey League. Caught off balance, his foot went flying in the air. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. My parents had three children of their own, and they adopted three children, he said. Only once has he played in fewer than 60 of the regular seasons 80 games. Browse 82 tony mckegney stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Fast forward to 1987-88, and my performance in the NHL was helping to prove the stereotypes wrong. Tony McKegney was bom in Montreal, Quebec, in February of 1958 to a Nigerian father and Canadian mother. Tony McKegney erased any doubt that a black player could be a prominent goal-scorer in the NHL. I feel that I had a pretty good upbringing. He is vaguely aware of the recent push to change hockey culture. 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. 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. Most of his limited NHL experience came with Buffalo; he also had a brief stint with the Philadelphia Flyers and their AHL affiliate. I just felt defeated," he said. He is to appear in court in Belleville, Ontario, on May 18. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. 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. TM: I liked all sports. All Rights Reserved. TM: Everything. Enter Search Term. That year, he also played against a team from Birmingham, Ala. His first game there, team executives told him he might be shot, so he went into the arena with extra protection. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. 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. 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. {{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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). SN: Was there a brotherhood among the black players in the league? But it wasn't to be. (Tony McKegney, the fourth black player, debuted in 1978). But I always wanted to be, and knew I could be, a dominant player. SN: The numbers of black players at all levels has increased. Right before he went to college, Mike Marson and Bill Riley, the second and third black men in the NHL, made their debuts. It was like, all the emotions from my career, my life: it was too much for me," the elder Saunders said. Lightning. 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.". 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. 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. There hadnt been many blacks in the NHL when he arrived, but hopefully his talent made quite a few people color-blind. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. You get one kick at the can, as they say, in life. Sabres Memories is presented by BCBSWNY. So, there was a lot of black athletes in town in Buffalo. (OHL). Search instead in Creative? Throughout 15 years of professional hockey, I'm lucky enough to say that there are many moments I'm proud of. Things just felt right that year. Tony McKegney was born in Montreal, Canada. But sometimes it comes back to haunt you. He is not dating anyone. I just had this conversation with one of my former teammates, and he said, We just treated you like one of us brothers.. Go beyond the basics. But hockey was a window of opportunity because we saw people from our area making it. But he was reassigned to the minors. By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. All Rights Reserved. He became a standout in hockey while playing junior, scoring 135 points in 66 games in 1976-77. He became a standout in hockey while playing junior, scoring 135 points in 66 games in 1976-77. 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. He was inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame in 1994. "We were so influenced by Hockey Night in Canada," he said, of himself and John. It's the number of Black players who have ever scored 40 goals in an NHL season. Saunders was the third highest-scorer at training camp. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. 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. Sue maintains relationships with many people -- family, friends, associates, & neighbors -- including Daniel Mckegney, Daniel Mckegney, Marilynn Habberfie, Roger Habberfield and Tony Mckegney. Brent Jarrett played with him in Kalamazoo, Mich.,that season. Look, there's a Black player who did what some people said he couldn't. Of course, sports will never make us color blind, and colorblindness is not the goal. 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. 1978 round 2 #32 overall by Buffalo Sabres, OMJHL 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. Part of the reason McKegney wants to continue a while longer is because of sons Daniel, 2 1/2 , and Robert, 7 months. 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. Tony McKegney had 320 goals over his career. I'd been chasing that red light since I started playing hockey at 3 years old. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. I feel for them all and support them unequivocally. 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. McKegney scored 37 goals in 1980-81. Tony McKegney was born on February 15, 1958. Tony McKegney is an Ice Hockey Player who was born on February 15, 1958 in Canada. of 1 SN: What were the conversations like between you and your brother about the abuse he faced? He learned to fight, to defend himself, but mainly he tried to keep scoring. SN: How has it impacted you as youve moved on from the game? He was assigned to the Syracuse Firebirds, one of the Nordiques' farm teams, where he became a fan favourite. You have permission to edit this article. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. 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. Hes been an All-Star. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 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) An error has occurred while trying to update your details. TM: I knew John because we were teammates, we were roommates, and it seemed out of character for him. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. It certainly didn't add up when I was moving to St. Louis before the start of the season. And I still struggle with that to this day, with the trauma that I faced and went through. I was at a Queens University hockey game. He would play 23 games with the San Diego Gulls in 1992-93 before retiring. A centre, he said the way they clicked on the ice was as though they'd been playing together forever. 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. Buy his book. * Some data is missing to provide a correct summary. 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. Some hockey portraits on this site are licensed from Images on Ice, Hockeys Photo Agency. 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. Saunders says it's tremendous. More Tony McKegney videos. And my teammates treated me like I was not any different than anybody. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. And the support I got from teammates just carried me through some difficult situations. They were around five and six years old. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. I ignored that coach, of course. 20 Sabres Tony Mckegney Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images All News Archival Browse 20 sabres tony mckegney stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Tony McKegney Goal vs. Toronto 12/13/80 - YouTube 0:00 / 0:44 Tony McKegney Goal vs. Toronto 12/13/80 Disengage 1.53K subscribers Subscribe 947 views 8 years ago Tony McKegney ties the game. People weren't used to seeing a Black player succeed on the ice. 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. 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. Saunders decided that was it. 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. 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. 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. He played in St. Louis for two years. Other blacks are forward Dirk Graham of the Minnesota North Stars, goaltender Eldon Pokey Reddick and forward Paul Neufeld of the Winnipeg Jets. I was too timid to talk to a girl. While in Minnesota, he joined the late John Mariucci and Cal Peterson to form an inner-city hockey league for youths. I probably should have, and I never did that. TONY MCKEGNEY: I was adopted when I was 18 months old and I moved [in with my adoptive family]. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. by 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. He stayed through 1983 and was a regular almost all of the time.