Willie O'Ree has spent much of his life working to open hockey to everyone who wants to play. On Nov. 12, 2018, the Hockey Hall of Fame opened its doors to him.
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Six decades after O'Ree became the first black player in NHL history, he continues to spread the gospel of hockey to anyone who will listen, crisscrossing North America to let kids know they can play and realize their goals. His efforts on and off the ice were recognized when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Builder.
O'Ree debuted for the Boston Bruins at the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 18, 1958, and played 45 games in the NHL, finishing with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists). But he was a minor league star, mostly in the Western Hockey League. By the time he retired from hockey in 1979, the doors for players of various races to dream about an NHL career were starting to open.
The NHL hired O'Ree as its diversity ambassador for its Hockey Is For Everyone initiative in January 1998. Since then, he's touched tens of thousands of children in the numerous local grassroots hockey programs he has helped establish. In 2018, the NHL established the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, recognizing individuals who have had a positive impact in the community, culture or society through hockey.
And he has no intention of ending his push for more diversity in hockey.
"True strength comes from diversity and inclusion. It makes the game better," O'Ree said in his induction speech. "Tonight, I'm here to tell you that we're not done, because the work is not done. We have barriers to break and knock down and opportunities to give. I leave this with you: When you return to your communities, take a look around. Find a young boy or girl who needs the opportunity to play hockey and give it to them. You never know. They may make history."
