A man who broke new ground when he became the first player of East Asian descent to play in the NHL has died at his home in Calgary at the age of 94.
Larry Kwong, also known as ‘King Kwong' and the ‘China Clipper’, played for the Vernon Hydrophones, the Trail Smoke Eaters and the Red Deer Wheelers before joining the New York Rangers’ farm team the Rovers in 1946.
He made his NHL debut in the Montreal Forum wearing number 11 for the New York Rangers on March 13th, 1948.
Kwong later moved back to Calgary to work with his brother managing a chain of grocery stores in the city until he retired in 1996.
He was inducted into the Alberta, B.C. and Okanagan Sports Halls of Fame.
He died at his home in Calgary on March 15 at the age of 94.
A visitation is being held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY on Elbow Drive on Tuesday, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. for those who wish to pay their respects.
