Recognizing Clarence ``taffy'' Abel and the 100th Anniversary of the First Native American in the Winter Olympics

Floor Speech

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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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