Art Dorrington facts for kids

Art Dorrington (born March 13, 1930 – died December 29, 2017) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played as a centre.

Art Dorrington made history in 1950. He became the first black hockey player to sign a contract with a National Hockey League (NHL) team. This was with the New York Rangers organization. Even though he played very well in the minor leagues, he never got to play in the main NHL. He played for teams like the Atlantic City Seagulls in the Eastern Hockey League.

After he stopped playing hockey, Dorrington worked for the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office. Later in his life, he started a special program. It was called the Art Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation. This program helps teach hockey to children from families who don't have a lot of money in Atlantic City.

Art Dorrington passed away on December 29, 2017. He was 87 years old and died in Atlantic City.

Art Dorrington: A Hockey Pioneer

Art Dorrington was an important figure in ice hockey. He was a talented player who broke barriers. His career showed that hard work and skill could open doors. He also dedicated his life to helping others.

Breaking Barriers in Hockey

In 1950, Art Dorrington achieved something amazing. He was the first black player to sign an NHL contract. This was a big step for diversity in sports. It showed that hockey was slowly becoming more open to players of all backgrounds. Even though he didn't play in an NHL game, his signing was a historic moment. It paved the way for future black hockey players.

His Career on the Ice

Art Dorrington was a skilled centre. He played for several teams in the minor leagues. These leagues are where players develop their skills. He played for teams like the Atlantic City Seagulls. He also played for the New Haven Tomahawks and the Washington Lions. Other teams included the Boston Olympics, Johnstown Jets, and Philadelphia Ramblers. He had strong statistics in these leagues. This showed his talent and dedication to the sport. His career lasted from 1949 to 1958.

Helping Kids Through Hockey

After his hockey career, Art Dorrington continued to serve his community. He joined the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office. In the late 1990s, he started a special project. It was called the Art Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation. This foundation had a great goal. It aimed to teach ice hockey to children. These children came from low-income families in Atlantic City. The foundation helped kids learn the sport. It also taught them important life skills. These skills included teamwork and discipline. It gave many young people a chance to play hockey.

Later Life and Legacy

Art Dorrington lived a full life. He was born on March 13, 1930. He passed away on December 29, 2017. He was 87 years old. His legacy lives on through his foundation. He is remembered as a pioneer in hockey. He is also remembered for his kindness and commitment to helping children.