The Boston Bruins retired the jersey of Willie O’Ree, the first Black NHL player, on Tuesday night—64 years to the day of his professional hockey debut.
ABC News’ Linsey Davis speaks with Willie O' Ree, the first Black NHL player, on diversity in the League, how he coped with racist slurs and his legacy as his number is retired.The Boston Bruins retired the jersey of Willie O’Ree, the first Black NHL player, on Tuesday night -- 64 years to the day of his professional hockey debut.
The Canada native committed himself to the sport, leaving home at 17 years old to play in a junior league. Just two years later, he made history when he became the first Black NHL player ever in 1958 at 22 years old. He never told the team about his loss of vision. It would have made him ineligible to play if the league knew.Former Boston Bruins player Willie O'Ree has his number retired and raised to the rafters prior to a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden, Jan. 18, 2022.
O’Ree credits his older brother Richard with helping him develop the confidence he needed to succeed in a league that was not welcoming to people like him.
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