Val James facts for kids

Valmore Curtis James (born February 14, 1957) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He made history as the first African-American to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). Val played 11 games in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs between 1981 and 1986. Most of his career, from 1978 to 1988, was spent playing in other professional hockey leagues.

Early Life and First Steps in Hockey

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 possible because his father worked as the manager of a local ice rink.

Val James' Hockey Journey

Starting in Junior Hockey

Val James was chosen by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 184th player picked overall. Before this, he played two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the Quebec Remparts. Even though the Red Wings drafted him, he never played in a regular game for them.

Playing in Minor Leagues

In the late 1970s, Val played several seasons for the Erie Blades in the Eastern Hockey League. He became well-known for his strong "hip checks" on the ice. On July 22, 1981, he signed with the Buffalo Sabres.

Making NHL History

Val James made his NHL debut with the Sabres during the 1981–82 NHL season. He played seven games that season. When he stepped onto the ice, he became the first Black American to play in the NHL. It's important to know that Willie O'Ree was the first Black player in the NHL, but he was African-Canadian. Val James was also the first player from Florida to play in the NHL.

Winning the Calder Cup

In 1983, Val was playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Rochester Americans. Under the guidance of their new coach, Mike Keenan, Val scored the winning goal for his team. This victory helped the Rochester Americans win the Calder Cup, which is a championship trophy in the AHL.

Facing Challenges on the Ice

Val James played four more NHL games in the 1986–87 NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Throughout his career, Val sometimes faced unfair treatment because of his race. This happened from fans in the stands and sometimes even from players on opposing teams.

On the ice, Val was also known for his fighting skills. He had memorable fights and victories 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.

Retirement from Hockey

After playing 11 NHL games and many more in other leagues, Val James had a shoulder injury. This injury forced him to retire from playing hockey in 1988. After retiring, he spent 10 years teaching hockey to others.

Life After Hockey

After his hockey career, Val James settled down in the Niagara Region with his wife. In February 2015, his autobiography, Black Ice: The Val James Story, was released. An autobiography is a book written by a person about their own life. This book came out during Black History Month. In January 2017, a paperback version of the book was released again during Black History Month.

See Also

• Willie O'Ree, the first Black Canadian player in the NHL