Willie O'Ree

• Big River First Nation’s Klein nominated for Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award

  Big River First Nation CEO Derek Klein's work is now being recognized at hockey's highest level, nominated for the NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award

  Sports

  Apr 6, 2023
  
• Former Jet Ray Neufeld taking part in team’s Black History Month events

  The Jets announced Wednesday that alumnus Ray Neufeld, who played for Winnipeg between 1985–86 and 1988–89, will participate in a ceremonial puck drop Feb. 28.

  Sports

  Feb 1, 2023
  
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• Willie O’Ree portrait unveiled for permanent display in New Brunswick hometown

  The portrait of Willie O'Ree, the first Black hockey player to be drafted into the NHL, has been unveiled at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton.

  Perspectives

  Jan 19, 2023
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• New Brunswick’s Willie O’Ree says having Bruins retire jersey an honor

  Willie O'Ree became the NHL's first Black player on Jan. 18, 1958, when he suited up against the Montreal Canadiens.

  Sports

  Jan 19, 2022
• HEROS Hockey executive director Kevin Hodgson up for NHL Community Hero Award

  HEROS Hockey executive director Kevin Hodgson has been nominated for the NHL’s Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award for his positive impact on the community. 

  Canada

  Jun 10, 2021
• Statue of NHL’s first Black player now featured at African American history museum

  O'Ree became the first Black player in the NHL when the Boston Bruins called him up from the minor leagues to play against the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 18, 1958.

  Canada

  Jun 3, 2021
• Hometown of Willie O’Ree to place skate of NHL player who broke the colour barrier on display

  Bauer Hockey recently unveiled a pair of skates with a custom graphic celebrating the achievements and life of Willie O’Ree — the man who broke the NHL's colour barrier.

  Sports

  Feb 19, 2021
• NHL hopes to improve its lack of diversity decades after colour barrier broken

  The NHL says, “Hockey is for Everyone” but the number of BIPOC players in the league doesn't reflect that with 90 BIPOC players currently in its system, and only 44 of them active.

  Sports

  Feb 19, 2021
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• Former Frontenacs teammate remembers Willie O’Ree, who played in Kingston in 1959-60

  Kingston remembers Willie O'Ree, who played one season for the Frontenacs in the now-defunct Eastern Professional Hockey League.

  Sports

  Jan 19, 2021
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• Boston Bruins to retire jersey of Willie O’Ree who broke NHL’s colour barrier

  Willie O'Ree, the player who broke the NHL colour barrier, will have his No. 22 jersey honoured by the Boston Bruins on Feb. 18.

  Canada

  Jan 12, 2021