Alton White facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alton White |
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![]() White, circa 1970
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Born | Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada |
May 31, 1945 ||
Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | ||
Weight | 175 lb (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb) | ||
Position | Right wing/Centre | ||
Shot | Right | ||
Played for | New York Raiders Los Angeles Sharks Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades |
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Playing career | 1965–1975 |
Alton White, born on May 31, 1945, is a Canadian who used to play professional ice hockey. He played for three seasons in a league called the World Hockey Association. His teams included the New York Raiders, the Los Angeles Sharks, and the Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades.
Alton White was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. He is famous for two big reasons in hockey history. He was the second player of African descent to play on a major professional ice hockey team. The first was Willie O'Ree.
White also made history by being the first hockey player of African descent to score 20 goals in one season for a major league team. He achieved this amazing feat during the 1972-73 season. That year, he scored 21 goals and made 21 assists for the Los Angeles Sharks.
During that same 1972-73 season, Alton White became the first Black player in history to score a hat-trick in a major professional game. A hat-trick means scoring three goals in one game. He did this against the Chicago Cougars.
Alton White's Hockey Journey
Alton White's professional hockey career lasted from 1965 to 1975. He played as a right wing or a centre. These are important positions on a hockey team. Players in these roles help score goals and defend.
Playing in the WHA
The World Hockey Association (WHA) was a major professional ice hockey league. It existed from 1972 to 1979. White played in this league during its early years. He showed his skills with different teams.
- New York Raiders: This was one of the first teams he played for in the WHA.
- Los Angeles Sharks: With the Sharks, he had his record-breaking season. This is where he scored 21 goals and got his historic hat-trick.
- Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades: He also played for this team, which moved from Michigan to Baltimore.
Alton White's Legacy
Alton White's achievements are very important in sports history. He helped open doors for future Black hockey players. His success on the ice showed that talent knows no boundaries. He is remembered for his skill and for breaking barriers in professional hockey.