Boston Bruins honor Willie O’Ree

Pioneering hockey legend Willie O’Ree has been honored by the Boston Bruins for the lasting impression he has left on the sport.

Former Boston Bruins forward Willie O’Ree was the first black player ever to lace up his skates in the NHL, breaking the color barrier.

The winger, now aged 82, was playing in the minors with the Quebec Aces when he was called up by Boston.

O’Ree played his first NHL game on Jan. 18 1958 against the Montreal Canadiens.

On the eve of that game’s 60^th anniversary, O’Ree was back in Boston for a pre-game ceremony in his honor. He took to the ice before face-off — a fitting rematch of O’Ree’s debut against the Habs — to rapturous applause.

O’Ree was joined on the ice by a group of Boston youngsters as he completed a ceremonial puck drop with Zdeno Chara and Max Pacioretty. Prior to the game, Boston mayor Marty Walsh declared that Jan.18 would be ‘Willie O’Ree Day’ in the city.

Boston’s players also wore special 60th anniversary patches on their jerseys to mark the occasion.

When Willie O’Ree was called up to the NHL he was almost completely blind in his right eye, having been hit by a puck two years earlier.

The injury would normally have prevented him playing in the NHL, but O’Ree managed to keep it a secret.

He played in the NHL for two seasons, scoring four goals and adding 10 assists. Most of his successful playing career was spent in the WHL with the San Diego Gulls and the Los Angeles Blades.

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O’Ree has had a resounding impact on the game, paving the way for countless future players.

He has not just been honored by the Bruins for his influence on the ice. For the last 20 years he has acted as a diversity ambassador for the NHL, and continues to inspire future generations.