Boston Bruins retire jersey number of Willie O’Ree, first black NHL player

by Seth Udinski

Seth Udinski, FISM News

 

On Tuesday night, the Boston Bruins retired the jersey number of Willie O’Ree, the first African American player in the National Hockey League.

O’Ree wore the number 22 throughout his career with the Bruins, after he first broke into the league in 1958, exactly 64 years before his jersey retirement ceremony. He would go on to play for 21 seasons in the NHL.

The 86-year-old O’Ree participated in the ceremony virtually due to COVID-19 concerns. He said of the honor in a virtual speech:

From a young age, my heart and my mind were set on making it to the NHL. I’m grateful and honored that it was with the Bruins…To the Bruins fans, I am honored to have had the pleasure of playing before you. Thank you for your tremendous love and support. This is an unforgettable day. I am overwhelmed and thrilled to be a part of the Bruins, forever.

In addition to the historic impact he had in paving the way for black hockey players, he also had a productive career in the league. He scored over 450 goals and amassed more than 450 assists throughout his two decades in the NHL.

Many current players in the league showed their support and love for O’Ree. Wayne Simmons of the Toronto Maple Leafs, another black player, tweeted his appreciation for the pioneer:

Tonight, my idol Willie O’Ree’s No. 22 will be hung from the rafters. I can’t stress how much Mr. O’Ree has meant to me and millions of other BIPOC kids who love the game of hockey.

The Bruins could not generate a victory on an otherwise special night, falling to the Hurricanes 7-1.

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