In honor of Willie O’Ree’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the NHL donates $10,000 to Ice Hockey In Harlem Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, O’Ree became the first black player in NHL history when he debuted with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens January 18, 1958. This historic event paved the way for future players of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds to compete in hockey.
By Vernon McKenzie
Graduate of New Institute Of Technology with a BA in Communications with a focus on Television Radio. Owner and Executive Producer of PureSportsNY