Get your tickets for Hockey Night in Chinatown, an inspiring evening of storytelling to celebrate past and present Chinese Canadians involved in hockey.
Hockey Night in Chinatown
- Date: Saturday, April 6, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
- Book signing 5:30pm to 6:00pm
- Location: Chinatown Storytelling Centre (168 East Pender Street Vancouver)
- Tickets: Available for purchase online
Author Chad Soon will launch his co-authored children’s book, The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey and share Kwong’s fascinating story as the first non-white player in the NHL in 1948, who later led the Valleyfield Braves to win the Alexander Cup in 1951.
“On March 13, 1948, Kwong finally got his chance at the NHL, taking to the ice for the Rangers at Montreal’s revered Forum against the Canadiens led by ‘Rocket’ Richard. Rangers coach Frank Boucher held Kwong on the bench until the third period of the one-goal game, when, raring to go, he finally hit the ice for a single shift and made history.
Months before Jackie Robinson and years before Willie O’Ree, Kwong broke the NHL’s colour barrier. He also stands as the first player from the Okanagan to reach the NHL and only the fourth born-and-raised in BC to crack an NHL line-up.
Although never again given the opportunity to play at the game’s highest level, he later established himself as one of the Quebec Senior professional league’s top players over an eight-year period, battling a young Jean Beliveau for the league scoring title, while leading the Valleyfield Braves to the Canadian senior championship and winning the league’s MVP award in 1951.” – BC Sports Hall of Fame
“His career might have lasted for only a New York minute, but Larry Kwong’s role in hockey history will never be forgotten.” – New York Rangers
Guests at the event can also meet two young NHL draftees, Brandon Yip and Zach Yuen who will share their experiences of going pro, and documentary filmmaker Jenny-Lee Gilmore who will share a heartfelt tribute to her hockey-playing mother, Kelley as she competes for Team BC at the Canada 55 Plus Games. The event moderator will be Samantha Chang, “The Broadcast” podcaster and Canucks game analyst.
Related: Chinatown Storytelling Centre’s Foo Hung Curios Gift Shop Online