Clarence ‘Taffy’ Abel: A pioneering US Olympic hockey star who hid his Indigenous identity to play in the NHL

Despite being a foundational figure in American hockey, Taffy Abel – who hid his Ojibwe heritage so he could pass as white – has been largely erased from national memory.

By: Michael J. Socolow, University of Maine, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 5, 2026

Words: 1,095

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Michael J. Socolow, University of Maine

On Dec. 26, 1926, 16,000 hockey fans packed Madison Square Garden to witness the birth of a rivalry between the New York Americans and the brand-new New York Rangers. The game would later be remembered for establishing a foundation of popularity for the sport in New York City.

The only American playing for the Rangers that night also happened to be the largest player in the history …

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