Though Canadian Willie O’Ree became the first black man to play in the NHL in 1958, Val James became the first African-American to play in the league in 1977 when he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. Born in Ocala, Fla. and raised in Long Island, N.Y., James made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres during the 1981-82 season. He followed that up by playing four games with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1986-87 season before retiring in 1988.

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