February is Black History

Month
Willie O’Ree

Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Willie O’Ree is a former NHL hockey

player best know for breaking the colour barrier. Willie played as winger
for the Boston Bruins and on January 18, 1958, Willie took to the ice
against the Montreal Canadians and became the first black NHL player in
history.
O’Ree is often referred to as the “Jackie Robinson” of hockey. He was
inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame in 1984. In 2008, the
city of Fredericton named it’s new sports complex after him. Also in 2008,
he was awarded the Order of Canada. In 2018, he was inducted into the
NHL Hall of Fame, and in 2020, he was inducted into the Canadian Sport’s
Hall of Fame. The Boston Bruins officially retired his number on Jan. 18,
2022.