Larry Kwong Clothing
THE CAMPAIGN
On March 13, 1948, Larry Kwong aka Eng Kai Geong, a Chinese Canadian hockey player, broke the colour barrier as the NHL’s first player of Asian descent. Larry Kwong’s achievement went largely unacknowledged until recent grassroots campaigns emerged to share Larry’s story. Since then, there have been modest ceremonies, regional awards, and news reports recognizing Larry. He has, however, never been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
His 60-second shift laid the foundation for all NHL hockey players of colour, especially those of Asian descent, such as Peter Ing (Chinese Canadian), Paul Kariya (Japanese Canadian), Jim Paek (Korean), Richard Park (Korean American), Robin Bawa (South Asian Canadian), and, more recently, Matt Dumba (Filipino Canadian) and Jason and Nick Robertson (Filipino American).
As Asian involvement in the sport of hockey continues to grow in North America and beyond, it’s Larry’s turn to receive the recognition he deserves. An induction will ensure that his contribution is never forgotten. It's only fitting that the long overdue induction occurs in 2024. March 13, 2023, marked the 75th anniversary of Larry’s NHL debut; June 17, 2023, is the day Larry would have turned 100. Let’s give Larry his turn before the past is forgotten. See full Larry Kwong story on the Hockey 4 Youth webpage.
On March 13, 1948, Larry Kwong aka Eng Kai Geong, a Chinese Canadian hockey player, broke the colour barrier as the NHL’s first player of Asian descent. Larry Kwong’s achievement went largely unacknowledged until recent grassroots campaigns emerged to share Larry’s story. Since then, there have been modest ceremonies, regional awards, and news reports recognizing Larry. He has, however, never been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
His 60-second shift laid the foundation for all NHL hockey players of colour, especially those of Asian descent, such as Peter Ing (Chinese Canadian), Paul Kariya (Japanese Canadian), Jim Paek (Korean), Richard Park (Korean American), Robin Bawa (South Asian Canadian), and, more recently, Matt Dumba (Filipino Canadian) and Jason and Nick Robertson (Filipino American).
As Asian involvement in the sport of hockey continues to grow in North America and beyond, it’s Larry’s turn to receive the recognition he deserves. An induction will ensure that his contribution is never forgotten. It's only fitting that the long overdue induction occurs in 2024. March 13, 2023, marked the 75th anniversary of Larry’s NHL debut; June 17, 2023, is the day Larry would have turned 100. Let’s give Larry his turn before the past is forgotten. See full Larry Kwong story on the Hockey 4 Youth webpage.
ABOUT HOCKEY 4 YOUTH
50% of proceeds from the sales of #ItsLarrysTurn clothing will benefit a Hockey 4 Youth program in Calgary, Alberta in Larry Kwong's honour. Launched in 2015, Hockey 4 Youth’s mission is to increase social inclusion for new Canadian (newcomer) and high-priority youth through free ice hockey and T.E.A.C.H programs. Since 2015, Hockey 4 Youth has worked with over 700 children and youth from 41 countries of origin.
50% of proceeds from the sales of #ItsLarrysTurn clothing will benefit a Hockey 4 Youth program in Calgary, Alberta in Larry Kwong's honour. Launched in 2015, Hockey 4 Youth’s mission is to increase social inclusion for new Canadian (newcomer) and high-priority youth through free ice hockey and T.E.A.C.H programs. Since 2015, Hockey 4 Youth has worked with over 700 children and youth from 41 countries of origin.
