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Chippewa Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Stars Firsts

NDN All-Star #61 – Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Chippewa) – Hockey’s First Indian!

NDN All-Stars "FIRSTS" Taffy Abel Header

NDN All-Star #61 Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Chippewa)was a powerful force in early hockey and the first Native American to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1900, Abel grew up surrounded by hockey and quickly made the sport a big part of his life. With his size and strength—standing over six feet tall and weighing more than 200 pounds—Abel played a style that helped him stand out. He became known for his aggressive but skilled way of defending, which led to exciting opportunities to play on bigger stages.

One of Abel’s first major achievements was joining the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1924. This team competed in the very first Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France. Abel’s strength and skill on defense helped the U.S. team win the silver medal, bringing attention to both American hockey and Abel himself. Not only was Abel the first Native American to participate in the Winter Olympics, but he was also selected by his teammates to be the US flag bearer – another Native American first! After this, professional hockey teams in the NHL took notice.

Abel’s big break into the NHL came when he signed with the New York Rangers in 1926. His impact on the ice was immediate. Abel’s powerful playing style fit perfectly with the Rangers’ defense, making him a favorite among fans. As the first Native American to play in the NHL, Abel also created a lasting legacy beyond his skill. This made his career even more meaningful, showing young athletes from different backgrounds that they, too, could compete at the highest levels of hockey.

Abel’s time with the Rangers was filled with success. One of the highlights was the 1928 season when the Rangers won their first Stanley Cup. Abel was a big part of this victory, playing defense with a mix of strength and skill that made it difficult for opponents to score. After his time with the Rangers, he moved to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1929. He continued to be an important player for Chicago, helping to strengthen their defense. In 1934, Abel and the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup again, adding to his career’s list of achievements.

Throughout his career, Abel was known for his determination and reliability. He played tough and consistently, and his defensive style became a model for future players. Abel showed that a defenseman could be both physically tough and skilled, setting an example for how the position could be played. This influence on the game made Abel a trailblazer, and his success opened up new paths for future players.

After retiring from hockey in 1934, Abel returned to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. He stayed active in the hockey community, passing on his knowledge of the game. His legacy continued as more Native American players followed in his footsteps, with Abel’s story showing how much could be achieved through skill and dedication.

Clarence “Taffy” Abel passed away in 1964, but his contributions to hockey are still remembered. He was honored posthumously by being inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973. His story lives on as a reminder of what’s possible in hockey and serves as an example for young athletes who dream of making it to the NHL.

NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel’s place in hockey history is unforgettable. As both a pioneering Native American player and a dedicated athlete, he’s remembered for his love of the game and his many accomplishments on the ice. His story continues to inspire players today, and his legacy shines brightly for future generations who share his passion for hockey.


 

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 #TaffyAbel #Chippewa #NHL #hockey #NYRangers #ChicagoBlackhawks #FIRSTS


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Categories
Boxing Cherokee NDN All-Star Info Video Archeology

Video Archeology – “Dempsey”

NDN All-Stars "Video Archeology" Movie Of The Week graphic

The 1983 movie “Dempsey”, with Treat Williams playing boxing legend NDN All-Star #6 Jack Dempsey (Cherokee), is an exciting look into the world of 1920s boxing. Watching this film feels like stepping back into a time when boxing was raw and tough, and so were the fighters. Jack Dempsey had a rough life and had to work hard to make a name for himself. This movie really brings his story to life.

From the start, Treat Williams totally nails the role. He makes Dempsey look like a fighter who’s hungry to win and willing to push through anything to get there. The story opens with Dempsey fighting in small mining towns, where the fights were rough and not always fair. The smoky arenas, loud crowds, and scrappy fighters make it easy to feel the atmosphere of those early days.

“Dempsey” doesn’t just show us the boxer; it shows us the man. The movie dives into Dempsey’s struggles, both in and out of the ring. We see his relationship with his wife, Estelle Taylor, played by Sally Kellerman. Their marriage is rocky, which makes sense when you think about how intense his career was. The movie keeps the focus on boxing but gives us just enough of his personal life to show that it wasn’t easy for Dempsey to balance love and fame.

The best part of the movie is definitely the boxing scenes. Even though it’s a TV movie, the fights are intense and realistic. You can tell Treat Williams put a lot into these scenes, making them feel brutal and authentic. One standout moment is Dempsey’s famous fight with Jess Willard, known as “The Fight of the Century.” The movie shows this fight in all its hard-hitting detail, with every punch feeling intense. It’s clear that Dempsey wasn’t just about skill; he fought with everything he had, pushing through pain to come out on top.

Williams plays Dempsey as a tough, determined guy who fights like he has nothing to lose. The nickname “Manassa Mauler” fits him perfectly—he’s fierce and relentless in the ring. But Williams doesn’t make him look like a flawless hero; instead, he’s a regular guy who faced tough times and worked his way up. He fought hard, and you can see that in every scene.

One thing I wish the movie had done better is cover some important moments in Dempsey’s life. For instance, Dempsey’s choice not to serve in World War I made a lot of people upset back then. The film mentions it, but it doesn’t dig deep into how that choice affected him and his reputation. Some of the struggles he had after his boxing career are also just briefly mentioned, leaving some questions unanswered.

Even with these small flaws, “Dempsey” is a solid and interesting movie, especially for a TV production. It shows the highs and lows of an American sports hero. By the end, you see Dempsey as more than just a fighter—you see him as someone who pushed through a tough life to achieve greatness in a tough sport.

If you’re into sports movies or boxing history, “Dempsey” is definitely worth checking out. Treat Williams really brings NDN All-Star #6 Jack Dempsey to life, making him seem like a real, relatable person. This movie may not be as polished as a big-budget film, but it’s perfect for a story about an underdog like Dempsey. If you want to know what it was like to be a champion back in the early 1900s, this movie gives a great look at the life of one of boxing’s biggest legends.

Leave us a comment and let us know what you think of “Dempsey”, the movie and the man.

 


 

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 #Cherokee #JackDempsey #VideoArcheology #boxing


If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!