Larry Kwong

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Larry Kwong
Larry Kwong pictured with the Vernon Hydrophones in the 1938–39 season
Born (1923-06-17)June 17, 1923
Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Died March 15, 2018(2018-03-15) (aged 94)
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Height 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
Weight 150 lb (68 kg; 10 st 10 lb)
Position Right Wing
Shot Right
Played for New York Rangers
Playing career 1941–1959

Lawrence Kwong (born Eng Kai Geong (simplified Chinese: 吴启光; traditional Chinese: 吳啟光; pinyin: Wú Qǐguāng); June 17, 1923 – March 15, 2018) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward and businessman. He is known as the first person of Asian ancestry to play in the National Hockey League (NHL), and the first player to break hockey's color barrier.[1]

Kwong was also the first NHL player from Vernon, British Columbia, and the Okanagan region. Kwong's nicknames included the "China Clipper" (a name later used for CFL player Normie Kwong) and "King Kwong".[2]

From 1941 to 1959, Kwong played for the New York Rangers.

Kwong died March 15, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta of complications from pneumonia at the age of 94.[1][3]

References[change | change source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Ward, Rachel (19 March 2018). "NHL trailblazer Larry Kwong dies at 94". CBC News. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  2. Davis, David (19 February 2013). "NY TIMES: A Hockey Pioneer's Moment". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  3. "Larry KWONG Obituary (1923 - 2018) - Legacy Remembers". Legacy.com.