[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 24 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

  (Mr. BERGMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary 
of the first Native American in the Winter Olympics and fellow Yooper, 
Clarence ``Taffy'' Abel.
  Taffy was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on May 28, 1900, and 
was a member of the Sault Tribe of the Chippewa Indians. Following his 
childhood years, he joined the U.S. National Hockey Team in the first 
Winter Olympics in 1924. From there, he was selected by his fellow 
athletes to carry the American flag during the opening ceremonies and 
helped the U.S. win a Silver Medal.
  Taffy went on to lead a successful professional career in the NHL 
with the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks, resulting in two 
Stanley Cups, and was greatly respected by many of his peers. His 
accomplishments significantly advanced international hockey as an 
institution by tearing down many sport and cultural barriers.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
historic anniversary and the legacy of Clarence ``Taffy'' Abel.

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