Pioneer Willie O'Ree inducted to Hall of Fame 60 years after becoming NHL's first black player

Willie O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Tuesday, 60 years after he became the first black player to play in the NHL during the 1957-58 season.

O’Ree only played 45 games for the Bruins – two in his first season and 43 in the 1960-61 season, but has left an unmistakable footprint on the NHL that places him as one of the league’s most impactful pioneers. Since retiring, O’Ree has been an active advocate for diversity in the NHL, and has been an integral part of the Hockey Is For Everyone campaign.

“This honor is long overdue, as Willie has been a tremendous figure in our game both on and off the ice for over 60 years,” Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs said. “We are lucky to have been able to call Willie a Bruin when he made his debut in 1958, and we could not be happier for him to finally receive the recognition he so greatly deserves.”



At the NHL Awards last week, O’Ree presented the inaugural "Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award" to Christina Haugan, given to her husband Darcy who coached the Humboldt Broncos and died in the tragic team bus crash that killed 16.

P.K. Subban, who became the first black player to win the Norris Trophy in 2013, offered a sincere thank you to O’Ree on Twitter Tuesday.

“All my accomplishments, to think none of it would be possible with the sacrifice Willie O’Ree and many others have made before me,” Subban said. “I just want to personally congratulate Willie O’Ree on giving me the opportunity to be on the cover of the NHL game, to win the Norris Trophy, to have a long career. Without you Willie, none of it would be possible.”

The 82-year-old will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Nov. 12, along with commissioner Gary Bettman in the Builders category. Jayna Hefford, Martin Brodeur, Martin St. Louis, and Alexander Yakushev round out this year’s class.

“Willie is a pioneer and tremendous ambassador for the game of hockey, and on behalf of the Bruins organization I would like to congratulate Willie and his family on today’s announcement that he will be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Bruins President Cam Neely. “The courage he showed 60 years ago when he broke the league’s color barrier while wearing a Bruins sweater is an inspiration, and his work today continues to grow the game of hockey and spread the message that hockey is for everyone.”

Earlier this year, O’Ree was recognized by Mayor Marty Walsh, who declared Jan. 18 Willie O’Ree Day and dedicated a street hockey rink in his honor. O’Ree played his first game Jan. 18, 1958.