March 17, 2025

SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: O’Ree breaks pro-hockey color barrier

In this November 23, 1960, file photo, 25-year-old left wing Willie O'Ree, the first Black player of the National Hockey League, warms up in his Boston Bruins uniform, prior to the game with the New York Rangers, at New York's Madison Square Garden. Photo credit: The Associated Press

The feel of the ice. The toughness of the players. Those are a few details people think
about when it comes to hockey.

In this November 23, 1960, file photo, 25-year-old left wing Willie O'Ree, the first Black player of the National Hockey League, warms up in his Boston Bruins uniform, prior to the game with the New York Rangers, at New York's Madison Square Garden. Photo credit: The Associated Press
In this November 23, 1960, file photo, 25-year-old left wing Willie O’Ree, the first Black player of the National Hockey League, warms up in his Boston Bruins uniform, prior to the game with the New York Rangers, at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Photo credit: The Associated Press

One other detail people notice is the lack of color in the sport. It’s evident that there are not very many Black people or people of color that play the game, and hockey isn’t a sport that many Black kids grew up playing.

Today, there are a few Black players who have advanced in recent years in the National Hockey League. Even before they got here, there was one who stood out and broke the barrier. On Jan. 18, 1958, Willie O’Ree suited up for the Boston Bruins in a 3-0 win in Montreal.

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