Willie O'Ree Biography

Willie O’Ree is a pioneer who was the first African American player in the history of the National Hockey League.  O’Ree made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins on January 18th, 1958 against the Montreal Canadiens.  He played in just two games that year and would not return to the league until 1961.  In 1961, he put up four goals and ten assists in 43 games.  O’Ree also overcame the obstacle of being 95 percent blind in his right eye due to a hockey injury.  He had great minor league success in the WHL, twice winning that league’s scoring title.  The San Diego Gulls retired his number and it hangs in the San Diego Sports Arena.  A native of New Brunswick, Canada, O’Ree was inducted into the New Brunswick Hall of Fame in 1984 and was also awarded the Order of Canada.  He has been honored by the NHL many times and was director for youth development on the league’s diversity task force.  

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