The Legacy of Art Dorrington
The legacy of Art Dorrington, though not widely recognized among New York Rangers enthusiasts, holds significant importance in hockey history. In the early 1950s, the Rangers aligned themselves with a farm team known as the Sea Gulls in Atlantic City, competing in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League against various clubs, including the New York Rovers, another affiliated team. Dorrington, a talented African-Canadian player for the Sea Gulls, earned a contract with the Rangers. Unfortunately, he was not promoted to the NHL, which remains a notable oversight in the franchise’s past. Nevertheless, his signing marked a historic milestone as he became the first black player to secure an NHL contract, paving the way for future players like Willie O’Ree.
Impact on Youth Hockey
After his playing days, Dorrington settled in Atlantic City, where he established a prominent youth hockey program recognized as one of the best in North America. Stan Fischler, who featured Dorrington in a piece, recalls him as a beloved figure in the city. Today, his legacy endures within not just the Rangers organization, but also among the New York Islanders.
Emerging Talent from Sacred Heart University
In a broader context, while institutions like Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, may not boast a reputation for developing elite NHL talent, they are gradually establishing themselves in the professional hockey landscape. As the 2024-25 season commenced, 18 alumni from the Pioneers found themselves in professional leagues, with Justin Danforth being the sole representative in the NHL, playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets. By the season’s end, four more players from their roster joined the ranks of professional hockey, including Max Dorrington.
Max Dorrington’s Journey
Max wrapped up his collegiate career and received a professional tryout with the Bridgeport Islanders, participating in seven AHL games. His path to signing with Bridgeport unfolded rapidly, as he recalled the day his agent notified him:
“I was at my house in Bridgeport, and when I got the news, I was excited to share it with my roommate and parents. The next day, I was ready for practice. It came together quickly.”
Max also had the unique chance to attend his first NHL development camp with the New York Islanders, which he described as an exhilarating experience:
“Getting treated like an NHL player for a week while wearing the gear was surreal.”
Following the event, he signed a one-year contract with Bridgeport on July 1, gearing up for his inaugural full season as a professional.
Family Legacy and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his distant cousin Art Dorrington, Max expressed pride in his legacy:
“He’s the first black player to sign an NHL contract. It’s an important milestone, especially considering his connection to the Rangers and this area. I wear the Dorrington name proudly and recognize its impact on hockey.”
On the proximity of their NHL affiliations, Jackson, Max’s brother, played at Northeastern University and is now part of the New York Rangers’ system, stemming from a trade that sent him from the Vancouver Canucks. Max shared:
“We faced each other three times at the tail end of the AHL season, marking our first direct competition. We train together in the off-season and strive for similar goals. But when the season starts in October, it’s all business.”
As both brothers embark on their professional journeys in hockey, Max feels particularly invigorated:
“This is the first time there are no distractions or school responsibilities—just hockey for me full-time. I’m looking forward to it!”
One can only imagine how proud Art Dorrington would be to see his family continuing his legacy in the sport.
