Today Mike Grier announced his retirement after spending fourteen years in the NHL. Mr. Grier is the first African-American hockey player to make significant contributions on the ice.The St. Louis Blues drafted him in the 9th round of the 1993 NHL Draft, but was traded to the Edmonton Oilers before skating his first NHL game. He spent his first six seasons with them and eventually was traded a few more times, before signing with San Jose in 2006.
Although I knew of Mr. Grier from collecting cardboard in the 90's... I didn't know much about him. However... during his three years in the Bay Area, he grew into a fan favorite, who always skated hard. He may not have been the greatest scorer or assist man, but he definitely brought "passion" to the team.
Enjoy your retirement Mr. Grier... you deserve it!
3 comments:
the first??? How about Willie O'Ree? Alton White? Tony McKegney? Grant Fuhr?
All made significant contributions long before Mr Grier.
There have been several African-Canadian hockey players... and according to what I've read even a couple of African-American players in the NHL... but Grier was the first to have any significant contributions on the ice.
mike grier is the 1st African American drafted to play pro hockey. willie o.ree only played a few games in the pros,iginla ,fuhr, mckegney are all from Canada. mike was born in raised in detriot Michigan hockey town usa,
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