Quinton Byfield became the highest drafted Black player in NHL history on Tuesday night when the Los Angeles Kings selected him with the second pick.
“Being in the record books for anything is definitely super special, but that especially,” Byfield said.
“My dad and mom didn’t play hockey or didn’t have too much knowledge about that. Kind of just growing the game together. I think it just shows that there’s a lot of opportunity for everyone in the world and that you can play every sport and be successful in it.”
Byfield was immediately congratulated by San Jose’s Evander Kane and hopes to one day help hockey’s diversity initiatives.
Congratulations to @byfield55 on his 2nd Overall selection and becoming the highest drafted black player in history.
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) October 6, 2020
Highest drafted black hockey player in history. Congrats lil bro @byfield55 @LAKings
— Akil Thomas (@AkilThomas2) October 7, 2020
.@SportBlake's reaction to Quinton Byfield being draft is so pure @GEICO | #NHLDraft | #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/JnB5wHTajp
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 7, 2020
“The league is doing a really a really good job with all the inclusivity and just the awareness that they’re getting out,” Byfield said. “I think it would be really nice if I got involved with that and spread the positivity and just be a positive role model.”
BREAKING: The @LAKings select Quinton Byfield with the No. 2 pick in the 2020 #NHLDraft. pic.twitter.com/sIBOjHyjC5
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 6, 2020
The six-foot-five Canadian centre who played in the Ontario Hockey League might be able to start sooner than later. He believes he could play in the NHL next season.
“I’m pretty confident guy,” Byfield said. “I definitely think I could step into the NHL next year, but I know it’s a really big jump from the OHL and really challenging.”
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