65 years ago today – Larry Kwong from Vernon BC, broke the colour barrier in the NHL. He played one shift for the New York Rangers in Montreal – then he was sent back to the minors, despite being the top scorer of the New York Rovers farm team. He moved on to play Major Hockey for the Valleyfield Braves of the Quebec Senior Hockey League where he was named assistant captain of the Valleyfield Braves. In 1951, Kwong won the Vimy Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the QSHL. That year, he led the Valleyfield Braves to the league championship and then to the Alexander Cup, the Canadian major senior title. In the following QSHL season (1951–52), Kwong’s 38 goals were topped only by Jean Béliveau’s 45 tallies. Larry will be inducted to the BC Sports Hall of Fame in September.

Historic anniversary for Larry Kwong

65 years ago, Calgary’s Larry Kwong made hockey history by becoming the first Asian-Canadian to suit up in the National Hockey League. Larry Kwong joins us in studio to talk about his historic game.

LISTEN: Larry Kwong interview on CBC Radio Calgary on the 65th anniversary of his historic game.