His supporters created a fan club. Some hockey portraits on this site are licensed from Images on Ice, Hockeys Photo Agency. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). There was nothing special about the goal. 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. There weren't many black players in the junior league at the time. Get all the latest stats, news, videos and more on Tony McKegney . They had talks about what to do when the racist taunts would inevitably begin don't react, don't let them get to you but sure enough, when his son was a teenager, in the late '90s, an opponent called him the N-word on the ice. 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. He paved the way for me. I think his biggest value to our club has been his ability to score, Blues coach Jacques Martin said. 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. You may have created an account with another Rogers Media account that can be used to sign in here. 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. Saunders doesn't want to come off as someone lamenting what could have been. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. "I literally got through the game, went into this closet, and I just cried. But I had a rink in my backyard, my own playground. I wanted to be the best, that was a driving force. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. 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. Unlimited access for the whole family until Feb 21. . He jumped to the AHLs Hershey Bears and then the Sabres, making his NHL debut in the 1978-79 season. 6-0 , 200lb (183cm, 90kg) Born: February 15 , 1958 (Age: 64-344d) in Montreal, Quebec ca. 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. Right before he went to college, Mike Marson and Bill Riley, the second and third black men in the NHL, made their debuts. These brave athletes are actively changing hockey culture for the better. Amateur Teams: Kingston Canadians. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Other blacks are forward Dirk Graham of the Minnesota North Stars, goaltender Eldon Pokey Reddick and forward Paul Neufeld of the Winnipeg Jets. It's the kind of impact that wins, losses, and point totals can't capture. Gambling problem? Saunders spent most of his career thinking he was the only black player out there. Customize your lineup with your favourite leagues and teams. McKegney scored 37 goals in 1980-81. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). He was the fifth black man to play in the league. 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. The McKegney brothers (l-r), Mike, Tony, Ian and friends on their backyard rink in Sarnia, Ontario in 1962. A year later, the left winger was ready to join the pros. Tony McKegney SN: How has it impacted you as youve moved on from the game? Keep reading with unlimited digital access. McKegney, while striving to help provide black youths more opportunity, will never forget the chance given him by Lowry McKegney, 70. He sat down with Donnovan Bennett to discuss the struggles, success and lessons that came. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. When he left, he was the all-time leading scorer. When you and your teammates compete together, practice together, eat together, and grow up together, you start to see people for who they are. 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. 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. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. Sabres Send Asplund to Nashville for 7th Rounder, 2023 NHL Trade Deadline: Open Thread & How To Watch. Of his 13 years in the NHL, he spent the most time with the Sabres. Hockey players like Akim Aliu, Mark Fraser, and Matt Dumba are just a few of the guys using their voice in meaningful ways. McKegney was arrested June 23 and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree criminal contempt on July 8, according to court records. It's not the 40 goals I scored. Do you have a blog? Saunders didn't seem bitter or disappointed about not quite making it in the NHL, Jarrett said. I take my hat off to Grant. Instead, he was drafted 32nd-overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1978 and went on to score over 320 goals. He would play 23 games with the San Diego Gulls in 1992-93 before retiring. "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 would like for both to be able to remember their father in an NHL uniform. As of this date, Sue is single. 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. 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. 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. I dont have any theory why Tony has played with so many teams. *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday that former Buffalo Sabres winger Tony McKegney was arraigned before a Buffalo City Court Judge back on. Tony McKegney (r.) with brothers Mike (l.) and Steve in front of their house in Sarnia, Ontario in 1970. Looking back on his incredible career and contribution, McKegney shared with me the pleasure, pain and purpose hockey brought to his life. The judge ordered McKegney, while on probation, to complete all assessments, counselling and treatments directed by his probation supervisor to deal with issues arising from domestic. Another referee determined he made a kicking motion and gave him a match penalty. One referee, trying to break up the scuffle, grabbed Jonathan from behind. He appeared in 363 regular-season games with Buffalo, putting up 127 goals and adding 141 assists. But hockey was a window of opportunity because we saw people from our area making it. Odds & lines subject to change. Browse 82 tony mckegney stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. "One of the nicest things I hear from young people is they felt because I was there playing they felt they could be accepted in hockey," McKegney told The Buffalo News in 2017. Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Tony McKegney, 1958-02-15 Montral, QC, CAN Canada. 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. 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. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted soon thereafter, and raised by a white family in Sarnia, Ontario. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 4:33AM. He jumped to the AHL's Hershey. SN: Given what you went through in your career, does it make it tougher to hear stories of the abuse faced by players who came after you? McKegney scored 31 goals in 1986-87, 29 of them after being traded to the New York Rangers. During my career, I know I tried my hardest not to think about them at all. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Even reporters, players were coming up to me saying, 'What's going on, Bernie?'". '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. There have been 93 black players in the NHL. Taking into account various assets, Sue's net worth is greater than $50,000 - $99,999; and makes between $20 - 29,999 a year. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont. The conversation about black players in hockey is often a binary one even during Black History Month. While in Chteauguay, he played for Jacques Demers, who went on to coach the Nordiques and Montreal Canadiens. All rights reserved. Hockey made me gave me all the confidence in the world.". Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. And between the benches, one of the guys said it would be termed as a black-on-black crime. As part of the NHL's celebration of Black History Month, NHL.com will highlight great moments and important figures in black hockey history each day throughout February. He is not dating anyone. He has a copy of a newspaper article following a game in Rochester, N.Y., that mentions a fan who heard people yelling the N-word at him all night. Tony McKegney (front, second from r.) and his Sarnia Bees teammates of the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League in 1973. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. Tony McKegney weighed 200 lbs (90 kg) when playing. So Bassin gave him that chance. Buffalo Sabres Schedule, Roster, News, and Rumors | Die By The Blade, Celebrating Black History Month: Tony McKegney, Game Thread: Sabres vs. He was assigned to the Syracuse Firebirds, one of the Nordiques' farm teams, where he became a fan favourite. The Montreal-born left wing was a big scorer in junior hockey, finishing with 135 points (58 goals, 77 assists) in 66 games with Kingston of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League in 1976-77 and 92 points (43 goals, 49 assists) in 55 games the following season, when he also played for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship. The funny thing is that Im starting to enjoy the game more than I ever have, he said. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email. Complete player biography and stats. It's also available for football, basketball and baseball. SN: Trevor was able to persevere. One was Saunders. Thats basically what got me where I am today., Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 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. He said, Just turn on the red light, which means scoring a goal. McKegney was born in Montreal, but was adopted by a white family in Sarnia, Ont. "I loved the game, but the game didn't love me.". 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. Did that ever dissuade you at all from getting into the game? But it wasn't to be. Part one focused on diversity and race in hockey, while part two reflected back on their time with the Sabres/Amerks. 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. McKegney has remained in the NHL largely because of his skating skills, his durability and the steadiness he mentioned. We use cookies to improve your experience. Pioneers like Willie O'Ree, Angela James and Grant Fuhr will be featured. 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. People had a certain amount of respect for us athletically.". Will the Sabres make some moves today to improve their post-season chances? I guess, if you could say, the guy thats done the best is probably Grant Fuhr, McKegney said of the Edmonton goalie. 710K subscribers Tony McKegney is one of the pioneers of breaking the colour barrier within the NHL. Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey, Subscribe to Stathead Hockey: Get your first month FREE. Saunders was the third highest-scorer at training camp. He even scored 40 goals for St. Louis in 1987-88. Saunders scored twice in his debut, and it quickly became clear to Bassin he should have been playing at a higher level. With a Premium subscription, you'll get access to over 30 tools, features and benefits. McKegney was drafted 32nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. At the same time, he's disappointed that he's been excluded from conversations about the first black players in the NHL. Draft: Buffalo, 2nd round (32nd overall), 1978 NHL Amateur. SN: When you were playing hockey as youngster, there werent many black faces for you to see when you watched NHL games on Saturday nights. More Tony McKegney videos. The Buffalo native was drafted by the Sabres 52nd overall in 2013 and began his pro career with the Sabres and Amerks. 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. McKegney left the NHL after 1990-91 with 639 points (320 goals, 319 assists). of 1 Saunders was born in Montreal in 1956. 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 *} Brent Jarrett played with him in Kalamazoo, Mich.,that season. TM: I knew John because we were teammates, we were roommates, and it seemed out of character for him. 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. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. TM: We just sort of stayed away from it. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. 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). There isnt enough recent news in your lineup. He believes his call up was a reward for his performance in the minors. 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. Then he was dealt to the Nordiques in a massive swap involving Quebecs Real Cloutier. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. SN: What were the conversations like between you and your brother about the abuse he faced? It was a simple chip-in that just dribbled through the goalie's pads. It was wintertime and my dad had floodlights out there. If I could be half the man my father was, Id be doing pretty well, he said. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Hes been an All-Star. They were playing Ottawa and there were five black players in the game on the two teams combined. The goal is to make stereotypes disappear by making people from all backgrounds feel welcome, celebrated, and empowered on an equal playing field. 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 retired from the NHL in 1991 with 320 goals and 639 points. - Connect directly with players, coaches, teams, scouts and agents (optional) 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. He decided to sign as a free agent with the Nordiques because he felt they would give him the best opportunity to play right away plus, he would be reunited with Demers. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. SN: When you got to the league was it a lonely existence for you?