| Val James | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 14, 1957 Ocala, FL, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) |
| Position | Left Wing |
| Played for | Buffalo Sabres Toronto Maple Leafs |
| NHL Draft | 184th overall, 1977 Detroit Red Wings |
| Playing career | 1978–1988 |
Valmore Edwin James (born February 14, 1957 in Ocala, Florida and raised in Long Island, New York) is a retired American professional ice hockey left winger who played 2 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. James was the first African American to play in the NHL when he debuted with the Sabres.[1]
James was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 16th Round, 184th overall in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft after playing 2 seasons in the QMJHL for the Quebec Remparts. James made his NHL debut for the Buffalo Sabres during the 1981-82 NHL season, playing seven games. His next NHL stint came in the 1986-87 NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing four games. James, an African-American, was an amateur Golden Gloves boxer and his pugilistic skills were applied in the NHL and AHL (farm system) with considerable success. Spirited bouts and victories over noted ruffians Terry O'Reilly (Boston Bruins) and John Kordic distinguish his record. Even one of the NHL's all-time top enforcers Dave Brown is said to have singled out Val James as one of the hardest punching players he had ever faced. Willie O'Ree (Boston Bruins, 1957–1961), a Black Canadian, holds the distinction of being the first black player to play in the NHL.