Henry Maracle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henry Maracle |
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Buddy Maracle pictured in a 1931 newspaper
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| Born | September 8, 1904 Ayr, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | June 20, 1958 (aged 53) Dallas, Texas, US |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb) | ||
| Position | Left Wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | New York Rangers | ||
| Playing career | 1926–1939 | ||
Henry Elmer "Buddy" Maracle (born September 8, 1904 – died June 20, 1958) was a Canadian ice hockey player. He played as a left winger. Buddy Maracle was special because he was the first full-blooded Indigenous hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the New York Rangers during the 1930–31 season. He was a member of the Mohawk tribe. Buddy grew up in Haileybury, Ontario.
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Early Life of Buddy Maracle
Buddy Maracle's family was part of the Oneida Mohawk tribe. They moved from the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve to Ayr, Ontario, in the early 1900s. Buddy was born in Ayr in 1904. His parents were Albert Maracle and Elsie Hill. Later, his family moved to Haileybury, Ontario. This is where Buddy started playing hockey in high school.
Buddy Maracle's Hockey Career
Buddy Maracle had a long hockey career. It lasted for 20 years. He played for many different teams across North America. Some of these teams included the North Bay Trappers and the Toronto Industrial.
He also played for the Springfield Indians in the Canadian–American Hockey League (Can-Am). Buddy spent six seasons playing for the Springfield Indians. He even became the captain of the team.
During the 1930–31 season, Buddy was called up to the National Hockey League (NHL). He joined the New York Rangers. He played 11 games for the Rangers that season. After his time in the NHL, he continued to play for other teams. These included the Bronx Tigers, New Haven Eagles, and Philadelphia Arrows. He also played for the Tulsa Oilers and the Detroit Pontiacs.
Buddy Maracle's Personal Life
Buddy Maracle was married to Josephine Hardman. He passed away in Dallas, Texas, in 1958. He died due to health problems. At the time of his death, he worked as a truck driver for a company that sold produce.
Buddy Maracle's Legacy
Buddy Maracle is known for being the first full-blooded Indigenous player in the NHL. However, the NHL has not officially recognized this. Instead, they often focus on Fred Sasakamoose, who debuted in 1953.
There is also another player, Paul Jacobs, who some say played in 1918. But records suggest he might have only practiced with the team.
In 2018, the New York Rangers honored Buddy Maracle. They gave two modern jerseys with his name and number 14 on them. These jerseys went to rinks in Ayr and at Six Nations. In 2020, the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame considered Buddy Maracle for induction. This would be a great honor for his contributions to hockey.
