Black Ice, John Gallagher
Black Ice, John Gallagher
1 Rating(s)
List: $15.99 | Sale: $11.20
Club: $7.99

Black Ice
The Val James Story

Author: John Gallagher, Valmore James

Narrator: Korey Jackson

Unabridged: 5 hr 21 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 04/03/2015

Synopsis

The first black American in the NHL tells his story Val James became the first African American player in the NHL when he took to the ice with the Buffalo Sabres in 1982, and in 1987 he became the first black player of any nationality to skate for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Born in central Florida, James grew up on Long Island and received his first pair of skates for his 13th birthday. At 16, James left home to play in Canada, where he was the only black person in junior and, often, in the whole town. While popular for his tough play and winning personality, the teenager faced racist taunts at opposing arenas, and the prejudice continued at all levels of the game. In his two NHL stints, James defined himself as a smart team player and opponent, known for his pugilistic skills. Black Ice is the untold story of a trail-blazing athlete who endured and overcame discrimination to realize his dreams and become an inspiration for future generations.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Steven R. on April 17, 2020

I do not recall either of Val’s stints in the NHL. Growing up I was a Habs fan and my grandfather cheered for the Leaf’s and my father Chicago. And back then you got the games on CBC or listened in French. I spent about a half hour with Val in his current life. He was so outgoing and engaging I trac......more

Goodreads review by bamlinden on January 23, 2018

This was a spur of the moment read and I’m definitely glad I took the trip. This was a really fun read with tons of character - and characters. It’s always a crapshoot when choosing a title where you say to yourself “why does this guy deserve a book?” And while being the first American-born black ho......more

Goodreads review by Budd on July 14, 2015

Buffalo Sabres' fans were used to having a black man on their favorite team in the early 1980s. Tony McKegney had broken into the NHL during the 1978-79 season, and he was still around in the 1981-82 campaign when he received some company. When Val James came up from the minor leagues to make his NHL......more

Goodreads review by Andrew on July 25, 2015

A lot of people are willing to snap up books written by/about sports superstars. In hockey, there are several books about the stars. Readers may find some new insight about a sports hero, but a lot of what is in them is a reiteration of things that have already been seen in other books, or in the ne......more

Goodreads review by Cle on December 14, 2015

The untold story of the NHL first African American hockey player, who has yet to be recognized for his accomplishments and all of the harassment that he endured along the way.......more

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