The Buffalo Ankerites were the first semi-professional organization to feature an all-Black line, consisting of Herb Carnegie, his brother Ossie, and Vincent Churchill (Manny) McIntyre. Sportswriters and fans referred to the trio as the “Brown Bombers,” “Dusky Speedsters,” and “Dark Destroyers,” but ultimately they became known as “Les Noirs” or the “Black Aces.” Herb (the playmaker) played centre while Ossie (the shooter) and McIntyre (the enforcer) covered the wings. During two seasons with the Ankerites (1940–41 and 1941–42), they helped the club earn two league championships. The Black Aces became one of the most skilled and respected lines in minor Hockey during the 1940s and played together on various teams.

While playing with the Ankerites, the Carnegie brothers and McIntyre came to the attention of teams based in the Quebec Provincial Hockey League (QPHL). In 1944, they began their QPHL career as a member of the famous Shawinigan Cataractes, but only played with them for one season.