William Eldon O'Ree CM ONB (born October 15, 1935) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player from Fredericton, New Brunswick. He is widely recognized for being the first black player in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing as a winger for the Boston Bruins.

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 20, 2015 · Willie O’Ree, CM, ONB, hockey player (born 15 October 1935 in Fredericton, NB). On 18 January 1958, Willie O’Ree became the first Black hockey player to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played professional hockey for more than 20 years, including 45 games with the Boston Bruins.

Nov 12, 2018 · On Jan. 18, 1958, Willie O’Ree became the first black player to play a National Hockey League game with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum. He played 45 games with the Bruins, and also became the first black player to score an NHL goal on January 1, 1961.

Jan 19, 2023 · It’s been 42 years since he broke the color barrier in hockey! Willie O’Ree is a Canadian hockey player who eventually made history as the first Black Hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL), Encyclopedia Britannica reports.

Feb 24, 2024 · To honour Black History Month of 2024, let’s dive into William O’Ree’s story of perseverance and bravery. Who is Willie O’Ree? William O’Ree was born on October 15, 1935, in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He became the first black hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL) on January 18, 1958, and played professional hockey for over 20 years.

Canadian native Willie O ’ Ree was the first black man ever to skate for a team in the National Hockey League (NHL). O ’ Ree made his debut in typical modest fashion for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958, and played right wing for the team through 45 games between 1958 and 1961.

When rookie Willie O’Ree laced up his skates for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958, he became the first black player to appear in an NHL game. In so doing, he made history, breaking the NHL color line and removing another barrier for blacks in professional sports.

Nov 8, 2018 · On Monday, O’Ree will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. He was elected in the builder category for his contributions to the game, and his induction comes 60 years...

Willie O'Ree changed hockey forever on Jan. 18, 1958. In the midst of America's tumultuous fight to end Jim Crow and the birth of the civil rights movement, Willie - the descendant of escaped slaves - became the first black player to skate in a National Hockey League game.