Taffy Abel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taffy Abel |
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| Born | May 28, 1900 Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Died | August 1, 1964 (aged 64) Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | |||||||||||||||
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb) | |||||||||||||||
| Position | Defense | |||||||||||||||
| Shot | Left | |||||||||||||||
| Played for | New York Rangers Chicago Black Hawks |
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| National team |  United States |
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| Playing career | 1924–1934 | |||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Clarence John "Taffy" Abel (May 28, 1900 – August 1, 1964) was a famous American ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1926 to 1934. Taffy was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, USA. He was a Ojibwe Native American.
Taffy Abel won a silver medal in ice hockey at the 1924 Winter Olympics. He was also the flag bearer for the U.S. team at those games. This made him the first known Native American to carry the U.S. Olympic flag. He helped his teams win the Stanley Cup twice. On November 16, 1926, he became the first U.S.-born Native American to play regularly in the NHL. Taffy Abel is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
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Taffy Abel's Hockey Career
Taffy Abel was a strong player on defense. He was known for his powerful shots and tough play.
Olympic and Early Hockey Success
Taffy Abel earned a silver medal with the United States ice hockey team. This was at the 1924 Winter Olympics. He was chosen to carry the U.S. flag during the opening ceremony. He scored 15 goals for the U.S. team in that tournament.
Before joining the NHL, Taffy played for the Minneapolis Millers. This was during the 1925–26 season. He was named to the CHL's First All-Star team as a defenseman.
Playing in the NHL
Taffy Abel played in the NHL for eight years. He scored his first NHL goal on December 7, 1926. This was for the New York Rangers against the Boston Bruins. The Rangers won that game 1-0.
Conn Smythe, who helped create the New York Rangers, signed Abel. He was very impressed by Taffy's play at the 1924 Olympics. With the Rangers, Taffy wore jersey number 4. He played alongside another great defenseman, Ching Johnson. They were a key part of the Rangers team that won the Stanley Cup in 1928.
After the 1929 season, Taffy moved to the Chicago Black Hawks. He played five more years there, wearing jersey number 2. Taffy Abel helped the Black Hawks win the Stanley Cup in the 1933–34 season. This was his last season in the NHL.
Life After Hockey and Legacy
After retiring from hockey, Taffy Abel went back to his hometown. He returned to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. There, he coached ice hockey. He also owned a tourist lodge called "Taffy’s Lodge."
Taffy Abel passed away at his home on August 1, 1964. He was 64 years old. Nine years later, he was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Taffy Abel Arena is named after him. This arena is the home rink for the hockey team at Lake Superior State University.
Images for kids
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Clarence "Taffy" Abel, a famous ice hockey player.
