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Chippewa Hockey Video Archeology

Video Archeology – “Michigan Mountain” – NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel (Chippewa)

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“Michigan Mountain” – NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel (Chippewa)

I just came across this great documentary on YouTube called “Michigan Mountain – The Taffy Abel Story – Pt 1”, and I think you’d really enjoy it. It’s about NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel (Chippewa), the first Native American athlete to play in the National Hockey League.

Taffy Abel grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and he was a giant on the ice – like, literally huge for his time, standing at 6’1″ and over 200 pounds. (That’s actually how he got the nickname “Michigan Mountain.”) But what really stood out to me was how graceful and skilled he was despite his size. The documentary goes into his early life and how he became a key player for the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1924, becoming the first Native American to compete in the Winter Olympics, where they won a silver medal. He was also the first Native American to play in the NHL, which is a huge deal. He played for iconic teams like the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks, and made a huge impact on the ice.

One thing I really like about this video is how it dives into the historical importance of Abel’s career. Being a member of the Chippewa tribe, he broke many barriers at a time when Native Americans weren’t really recognized in mainstream sports.

The documentary isn’t just about his hockey career, though. After he retired, he went back to his hometown and became a successful businessman, which I thought was a great thing to highlight. He didn’t just fade away after his career; he kept contributing to his community. There’s a humility to his story that I found really touching.

I’ll admit, the production quality isn’t the fanciest. It’s a mix of archival footage and interviews with hockey historians, his family, and experts on Native athletes, so it’s more informative than flashy. But honestly, that didn’t matter to me because the story itself is so strong. The film really makes you appreciate how much Taffy Abel accomplished in a time when the odds were stacked against him.

If you’re into hockey history or stories about athletes overcoming big barriers, I’d really recommend checking this out. NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel’s story deserves way more recognition than it gets, and this documentary does a great job of honoring his legacy. I think you’d enjoy it just as I did!

(P.S. – I hope Part 2 comes out soon!)

 


 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.


#NDNAllstars #Chippewa #Hockey #TaffyAbel #Olympics #VideoArcheology #NHL


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