Val James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Val James |
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| Born | February 14, 1957 Ocala, Florida, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) | ||
| Position | Left wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Buffalo Sabres Toronto Maple Leafs |
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| NHL Draft | 184th overall, 1977 Detroit Red Wings |
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| Playing career | 1978–1988 | ||
Valmore Curtis James was born on February 14, 1957. He is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played 11 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs between 1981 and 1986. The rest of his career, from 1978 to 1988, was spent in other hockey leagues. Val James made history as the first African-American to play in the National Hockey League. Another player, Willie O'Ree, was the first Black player, but he was African-Canadian.
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Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Val James was born in Ocala, Florida, and grew up in Hauppauge, New York. He was one of six children in his family. Val started skating and playing ice hockey in Commack, New York. This was because his father worked as the manager of a local ice rink there.
Val James's Hockey Journey
Val James was chosen by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft. He was picked in the 16th round, as the 184th player overall. Before this, he played two seasons for the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Even though he was drafted by the Red Wings, he never played in a regular game for them.
He also played several seasons for the Erie Blades in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). Val was known for his strong "hip checks" on the ice. These were powerful moves to stop opposing players.
Making History in the NHL
Val James signed with the Buffalo Sabres on July 22, 1981. He made his first NHL appearance for the Sabres during the 1981–82 NHL season, playing seven games. When he stepped onto the ice for the Sabres, Val James became the first Black American to play in the NHL. He was also the first person born in Florida to play in the NHL.
In 1983, Val James was playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Rochester Americans. Under coach Mike Keenan, James scored the winning goal for his team in the Calder Cup championship. This was a big achievement for him and his team.
Facing Challenges and Retirement
Val James played four more NHL games in the 1986–87 NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Throughout his hockey career, Val James sometimes faced unfair treatment because of his race from fans and even other players.
On the ice, Val James was respected for his strong fighting skills. He had memorable wins against tough players like Terry O'Reilly and John Kordic. Even Dave Brown, one of the NHL's toughest players, said Val James was one of the hardest punchers he ever faced.
After playing 11 NHL games, Val James had a shoulder injury. This injury sadly forced him to retire from playing hockey in 1988. After he stopped playing, he spent 10 years teaching hockey to others.
Life After Hockey
After retiring from hockey, Val James settled in the Niagara Region with his wife. He wrote a book about his life called Black Ice: The Val James Story. This book was released in February 2015, during Black History Month. In January 2017, the book was re-released in paperback.
See also
- Willie O'Ree, first Black Canadian player in the NHL
