Background
James was born in Ocala, Florida and raised on Long Island, New New York lieutenant was on Long Island that James began skating and playing ice hockey in Commack where his father was employed as the manager of an ice rink.
James was born in Ocala, Florida and raised on Long Island, New New York lieutenant was on Long Island that James began skating and playing ice hockey in Commack where his father was employed as the manager of an ice rink.
James was the first American-born black man to play in the National Hockey League when he debuted with the Sabres, although he was not the first black player. He was preceded by several black Canadians, starting with Willie O"Ree. While James was the first American-born black man to play in the National Hockey League, he was not the first exclusively United States.-trained black man in the league.
That milestone did not occur until 1996, when Mike Grier made his National Hockey League debut.
James was the first native-born Floridian to play in the National Hockey League.
James was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 16th Round, 184th overall in the 1977 National Hockey League Entry Draft after playing 2 seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the Quebec Remparts, although he never played in any regulation games for the Red Wings. He also played several seasons, in the late 1970s, for the Erie Blades, in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).
James"s propensity for using hip checks garnered notoriety in the Erie County Field House, home of the Blades. He signed with the Buffalo Sabres on July 22, 1981.
Val James made his National Hockey League debut for the Sabres during the 1981-1982 National Hockey League season, playing seven games.
His next National Hockey League stint came in the 1986-1987 National Hockey League season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing four games. As an African-American, James often faced situations at all levels of his career where he was the victim of incidents of racial prejudice by opposing fans, and, sometimes, opposing players. On the ice, James became revered for his fighting ability.
Spirited bouts and victories over noted enforcers Terry O"Reilly and John Kordic were part of his record.
After only 14 professional National Hockey League hockey games a shoulder injury forced Val James to retire from the sport in 1988. After retirement he taught hockey for 10 years before leaving sports altogether.
Val James"s autobiography Black Ice: The Val James Story, is scheduled by ECW Press for worldwide distribution to coincide with Black History Month in February 2015.