Jan 18, 2025 · Willie O’Ree’s debut shattered that unspoken barrier. What makes his story even more remarkable is that O’Ree was playing with a significant visual impairment. After being struck by a puck in his right eye two years earlier, he had lost 95% of his vision in that eye—a fact he kept secret to continue playing.

20 hours ago · The Pittsburgh Penguins honored the legacy of the organization’s Black players and veteran Black hockey player Willie O’Ree with a portrait by Pittsburgh visual artist Ashant&#233 ...

William Eldon O'Ree [1] was born on October 15, 1935, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, [2] to Harry, [3] a civil engineer and road maintenance worker, [2] and Rosebud O'Ree. [4] He was the youngest of nine siblings. [5] His grandparents were escapees of slavery in the United States, moving to Canada through the Underground Railroad.Fredericton had a small black population during O'Ree's early ...

The Penguins announced on February 18 the creation of the “Willie O’Ree Academy,” designed to provide unique training, social and mentorship opportunities for Black youth hockey players in the Pittsburgh region.

Discover the inspiring story of Willie O'Ree, the first black player in the National Hockey League. Breaking barriers in 1958, O'Ree's courage and determinat...

Jan 17, 2025 · 1958 — Canadian born Willie O’Ree becomes the NHL’s first black player for the Boston Bruins. 1972 — The Lakers’ Jerry West, hits a last second, 20-foot jumper to lead the West team to a 112-110 NBA All-Star victory over the East, as he garners the MVP award.

Jan 18, 2025 · The Pittsburgh Penguins even recognized his life's work by creating the Willie O'Ree Academy in 2021, to provide unique opportunities for black youth hockey players in the Pittsburgh area. President Biden awarded O'Ree the highly esteemed Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 2022.

Jan 29, 2025 · A great-great grandson of escaped slaves from South Carolina, Willie O'Ree overcame numerous obstacles to become the first Black player in the National Hockey League.

Willie O’Ree (born October 15, 1935, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada) is the first Black hockey player to play in a National Hockey League (NHL) game. He debuted with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum on January 18, 1958.

Jan 18, 2008 · Willie O'Ree made hockey history on Jan. 18, 1958, by becoming the first black player to suit up for an NHL game. His NHL résumé is a modest 45 games, including four goals and 10...