[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E43]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING CLARENCE ``TAFFY'' ABEL AND THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
              FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN IN THE WINTER OLYMPICS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 18, 2022

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the first Native American in the Winter Olympics, 
Clarence ``Taffy'' Abel. Over the last century, Taffy's accomplishments 
have inspired countless people across this nation and the world.
  Clarence ``Taffy'' Abel was born on May 28, 1900, in Sault Ste. Marie 
as part of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He received the 
nickname ``Taffy'' on the hockey rink for his attempts to sneak taffy 
during class. He spent many summers as a teenager working on the USS 
Clover, visiting ports such as Duluth, delivering supplies to local 
communities. Following his high school years, he joined the United 
States National Hockey Team for the first Winter Olympics in 1924. 
There he became the first Native American to participate in the winter 
games. He was recognized by his fellow athletes for his patriotism and 
leadership, helping him become captain of his team and the first person 
to represent the United States at the Winter Olympics by carrying the 
flag during the opening ceremonies. Taffy and the U.S. National Hockey 
Team led a successful tournament run that landed them a silver medal at 
the conclusion of the Olympics.
  Following his time with U.S. Hockey, Taffy went on to lead a 
successful professional career. After playing for the St. Paul Hockey 
Club for three seasons in the USAHA, he moved to the Minneapolis 
Millers where he helped win the CHL title in 1926. Following that title 
victory, Taffy was recruited by legendary NHL owner, Conn Smythe, to 
play on the New York Rangers and then later with the Chicago 
Blackhawks. There he became the first American to become a regular NHL 
player in a sport that had up until then been overwhelmingly played by 
Canadians. During his eight-year NHL career, Taffy went on to win two 
Stanley Cups and was thought of by many of his peers as the best left 
defenseman in the league. At the conclusion of his career, he played a 
total of 16 seasons of amateur and professional hockey, received an 
Olympic silver medal, won two Stanley Cups, and played a total of 333 
games in the NHL.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, 
I ask you to join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of the first 
Native American in the Winter Olympics, Clarence ``Taffy'' Abel. His 
historic accomplishments are memorialized in the American Indian 
Athletic Hall of Fame and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Taffy's legacy 
continues to inspire future generations across Michigan, the United 
States, and the world.

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