Pro Hockey Edmonton
Mike Grier, NHL First Black American Born
It is well known that Willie O'Ree Boston Bruins in 1958 was the first player in National Hockey League of African origin. But with the exception of the seven games he played in Buffalo in 1981, Val James, was not up to what Mike Grier played in Edmonton, Washington and San Jose from 1996 to present African-American actor could have had an interesting career in the NHL.
Grier comes from a football family. His father, Bobby Grier is a former coach NFL and the current Director corridor delegate Pro Scouting for the Houston Texans. His brother Chris scouts Miami Dolphins and his uncle is Rosie Grier, star of a role defense against the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in 1950 and 1960.
Micro Grier was born in Detroit, but was a move to Boston three years brochure said Puck made his hockey career in motion.
"My family was right in the center (Detroit), so I do not know if he was playing hockey. I could play basketball or football, or try to do something, "Mike Grier said." I do not know if I ever would in hockey. Hockey something when we moved to Boston – my brother more, Chris, and his friends started to play, so what kind of tags along the ice. And when we visited my cousins in Detroit, not of them playing hockey, or had an interest in it at all, then I'd probably do something else to live. I'm glad it's not the case. "
Mike Grier is a third-line forward of the Sharks St. Joseph, the team record for the NHL regular season this year. On a computer with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, Grier is not expected to score (only had 10 goals and 13 assists last season), but is an important element in the penalty kill sharks.
"On the ice, I'm more of a defensive player, a guy who plays physical third line, he said. "I am responsible on the defensive and leadership for the team. Maybe I'll chip in some goals from time to time."
"There's the charismatic Mike Grier," former defender Sharks Kyle McLaren said the San Francisco Chronicle. "The kids are fed intensity it brings. "The charisma, leadership and intensity Grier gives Sharks are reflected in the" A "carried in his shirt as one of the captains of San Jose.
Grier has had a highly publicized incident of the race in his hockey career. While skating Oilers against the Washington Capitols in 1997, allegedly Grier making derogatory comments about Ojibwa Indian heritage Chris Simon and Simon would have responded with racial slur to Grier. Although the letters have never been confirmed, Simon has been suspended three games after the incident.
Despite this incident, Mike Grier sees a bright future for African Americans interested in pursuing a career in hockey. "The game has changed since I started. There are more African American children, and minorities play hockey at all levels today there had before. I do not know if it's just the evolution of culture in general, but it's nice to see, "said Puck Brochure." That had helped people like Jerome Iginla (a Canadian of African descent) who was the captain of Team Canada and has been very successful, winning scoring titles and stuff.
"Therefore, rather than success a group, only helps to spread the word if you're a young children and African-Americans want to play hockey, you can play. I guess this is part of the fair, life happens. "
In addition to the Oilers and the Sharks, Mike Grier has spent time with the Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres. He just finished his third season in San Jose.
About the Author
Paul Hirsch is a writer for
; Regal Black Mens Magazine
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