Val James

Quick Facts

Full Name	Val James
Occupation	Ice Hockey Player
Date Of Birth	Feb 14, 1957(1957-02-14)
Age	67
Birthplace	Ocala
Country	United States
Birth City	Ocala
Horoscope	Aquarius

Val James Biography

Val James is one of the most popular and richest Ice Hockey Player who was born on February 14, 1957 in Ocala, Ocala, United States. Val Edwin James (born February 14, 1957) is an American former professional ice hockey left winger, as well as defenseman, who played two seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. James was the first black American to play in the NHL.

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. One of the NHL’s all-time top enforcers, Dave Brown, singled out James as one of the hardest punching players, and toughest opponents, he had ever fought. After only 14 professional NHL 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.

His next NHL stint came in the 1986–87 NHL 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.

Val James Net Worth

Val James is one of the richest Ice Hockey Player from United States. According to our analysis, Wikipedia, Forbes & Business Insider, Val James 's net worth $5 Million. (Last Update: December 11, 2023)

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 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. James made his NHL debut for the Sabres during the 1981–82 NHL season, playing seven games. James became the first black American to play in the NHL when he debuted with the Sabres. He was not the first black American to be exclusively trained in the country; that milestone did not occur until 1996, when Mike Grier made his NHL debut. James was the first native-born Floridian to play in the NHL.

In 1983, while playing in the American Hockey League (AHL), under the direction of rookie coach Mike Keenan, James scored the winning goal for the Rochester Americans in the Calder Cup.

After retiring, James settled in Niagara Falls, Ontario with his wife, working as part of the maintenance crew at a water park. His autobiography Black Ice: The Val James Story was released by ECW Press for worldwide distribution in February 2015, coinciding with Black History Month. In January 2017 ECW Press re-released the book in paperback format, again coinciding with Black History Month.

Height, Weight & Body Measurements

Val James height 6 ft 2 in Val weight Not Known & body measurements will update soon.

Who is Val James Dating?

According to our records, Val James is possibily single & has not been previously engaged. As of December 1, 2023, Val James’s is not dating anyone.

Relationships Record : We have no records of past relationships for Val James. You may help us to build the dating records for Val James!

Facts & Trivia

Val Ranked on the list of most popular Ice Hockey Player. Also ranked in the elit list of famous people born in United States. Val James celebrates birthday on February 14 of every year.

Top Facts about Val James

1. Val James was the first African-American NHL player.
2. He played for the Buffalo Sabres in 1981-82 season.
3. James had a brief professional career due to injuries.
4. He played in the AHL and IHL after leaving NHL.
5. James wrote an autobiography called “Black Ice”.

What is Val James known for?

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. One of the NHL’s all-time top enforcers, Dave Brown, singled out James as one of the hardest punching players, and toughest opponents, he had ever fought.

Has Toronto Maple Leafs ever had a black player?

In their 105-year-old history, the Toronto Maple Leafs have had a total of 977 players suit up to don the blue and white. Only eight of these 977 players are black , equaling a total of 0.82% of the team’s entire history of players.

Who was the first black NHL player?

Willie O’Ree , the NHL’s first Black player, to receive Congressional Gold Medal. Willie O’Ree, the NHL’s first Black player, is having quite the year. On Monday, less than a month after the Bruins retired his No. 22 jersey at TD Garden, President Joe Biden signed the Willie O’Ree Congressional Gold Medal act.

Who makes Leafs jerseys?

Maple Leafs Unveil Next Generation Jersey in Partnership With Justin Bieber. The Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled their specialty uniforms, made in collaboration with Justin Bieber’s Drew House clothing brand , that will debut during the team’s Next Generation Game.

Who broke the color barrier in hockey?

it’s been 64 years since the game of hockey was forever changed and the player who broke the color barrier in the sport is getting two huge honors. Willie O’Ree recently had his number 22 retired by the Boston Bruins, and received the congressional gold medal.