Quinton Byfield, recent graduate from St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School, was drafted second overall in the National Hockey League (NHL) by the LA Kings. He also made history by becoming “the highest-selected Black player in the NHL.”
In an interview with the NHL, Byfield said, “It means a lot to me, it’s something special. Being in the record books for anything is definitely super special, especially [since] my dad and my mom didn’t play hockey or have too much knowledge about that, so kind of just growing the game together. It just shows there’s a lot of opportunity for everyone in the world that you can play every sport and be successful in it.”
When playing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Byfield led Sudbury in scoring and was 14th in the OHL with 82 points (32 goals, 50 assists) in 45 games.
A member of the St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Class of 2020, his teachers and principal remember him fondly.
“Some words to describe Quinton are kind, humble, respectful, funny with a calm approach to things and always with a smile on his face,” said Byfield’s Religion and English Teachers, Kathleen Treacy and Jacqueline Gruia.
“Quinton was a very respectful and hardworking student, and a pleasure to teach. I am proud to say that one of my history students made history by becoming the highest-selected Black player in the history of NHL drafts!” said Michael Rende, Canadian and World Studies Teacher.
“You knew Q was always going to be a star. In my classroom and on the ice with the Mustangs, he always carried himself like a pro. A class act on and off the ice, he is a role model for his peers and now a role model for the youth of our great country. Congratulations to Quinton and his family on all their hard work in exemplifying the importance of balancing athletics and academics,” said Science teacher Adriano Crupi.
“We are extremely proud of Quinton for his accomplishment of being drafted second overall in the NHL Draft! While a student at St. Maximilian Kolbe, Quinton was well respected by both staff and students. Before the World Junior Championships last year in the Czech Republic (where Canada won a gold medal) our student body gathered in the foyer of our school to film a video with our school drone to wish him and his teammates luck. We also signed a large banner for him which he picked up in June. We know Quinton will continue to achieve success both on and off the ice. He is immensely talented and has great character. We are proud that he is part of our Mustang family!,” said Peter Parente, Principal at St. Maximilian Kolbe.
York Catholic is rooting for you, Quinton!
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