blank'/> THE PUCK REPORT: Today In NHL History - First Black Player In NHL

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Today In NHL History - First Black Player In NHL

On January 18th in 1958, Willie O'Ree dressed for the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens becoming the first black person to play in the NHL. The Fredericton native skated in 45 NHL games, collecting four goals and ten assists, before leaving the league in 1961.


O'Ree went on to play for 13 years in the WHL, primarily with the Los Angeles Blades and San Diego Gulls, winning two league scoring titles (1964, 1968) in the process. Today, O'Ree serves as the NHL's Director of Youth Development and Ambassador for Diversity.

That's today in NHL history.

0 comments: