Detroit Ice Dreams Hockey Association 

Celebrating Black History in Hockey 

Valmore “Val” James is an American-born retired NHL professional ice hockey left winger and defenceman who played two seasons for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). James was the NHL's first African-American player. James grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and was born in Ocala, Florida. He was the youngest of six siblings. James learned to skate and play ice hockey in Commack, New York, where his father worked as an ice rink manager. After two seasons with the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), James was picked by the Detroit Red Wings in the 16th round, 184th overall, in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft. He never appeared in a regulation game for the Red Wings. [n the late 1970s, he also spent time with the Erie Blades of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). In the Erie County Field House, home of the Blades, James' proclivity for hip checks gained notoriety. On July 22, 1981, he signed with the Buffalo Sabres. During the 1981–82 NHL season, James made his NHL debut for the Sabres, appearing in seven games. When he debuted in the NHL, James became the first Black American to do so.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/19/politics/willie-oree-congressional-gold-medal-house-nhl/index.html