New Book 'Black Aces' Chronicles Hockey's Black Trailblazers, Featuring P.K. Subban
Montreal native Julian McKenzie, a lifelong Canadiens fan and sports journalist, has released a groundbreaking new book titled Black Aces: Essential Stories from Hockey's Black Trailblazers. The work profiles 16 influential Black men and women who have shaped professional hockey, with a special focus on former Canadiens star P.K. Subban.
From Fan to Author: McKenzie's Personal Journey
Growing up in LaSalle, McKenzie dreamed of writing about hockey, inspired by reading The Gazette and cheering for the Canadiens. When P.K. Subban debuted with the team in 2010, it was a pivotal moment for the then-15-year-old McKenzie. "As a Black teenager, it was cool to see someone who looked like me playing for the team," he recalls. This personal connection fuels the book's exploration of representation in hockey.
McKenzie, who hosted The Gazette's weekly Hockey Inside/Out Show for two seasons and now covers the Ottawa Senators for The Athletic, emphasizes Subban's unique impact. "It is one thing to see a player who looks like you ... it's a whole other thing for him to be The Man, and to have the flash and the flair," he says, noting how Subban's talent and charisma resonated with Montreal fans.
Profiling Hockey's Pioneers
The book begins with Willie O'Ree, who broke the NHL color barrier in 1958 with the Boston Bruins, and includes chapters on:
- Herb Carnegie
- Jarome Iginla (who wrote the foreword)
- Grant Fuhr
- Anson Carter
- Fred Brathwaite
- Georges Laraque
- Quinton Byfield
- Sarah Nurse
- Angela James
- Blake Bolden
- Kevin Weekes
- Duante' Abercrombie
- Kelsey Koelzer
- Tony McKegney
McKenzie shares that one of his favorite interviews was with Sarah Nurse, an Olympic gold medalist and PWHL player. "She's just one of the coolest hockey players in the game right now, period," he says, praising her talent and off-ice achievements.
Georges Laraque's Story of Resilience
A particularly powerful chapter focuses on Georges Laraque, who played two seasons with the Canadiens. Laraque faced severe racism growing up in Sorel-Tracy, with other hockey parents frequently using racial slurs. "You'd hear the n-word so much that you would think it was my name," Laraque recounts in the book. His parents eventually stopped attending games due to the abuse.
Inspired by Jackie Robinson's story, Laraque persevered, telling his football coach, "I belong there. ... Hockey is different." He believed that succeeding in hockey would help prove that the sport is for everyone, a theme McKenzie highlights throughout the book.
Celebrating Legacy and Impact
McKenzie hopes readers gain a deeper appreciation for Black hockey players' contributions. "I hope that people understand how much Black hockey players have meant to the sport as a whole," he says. The book aims to educate fans about both well-known figures and lesser-known trailblazers, showcasing their resilience and talent.
Published in March 2024, Black Aces serves as a tribute to these athletes' enduring legacy, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in hockey. McKenzie's work not only documents history but also inspires future generations to see hockey as a sport for all.
