Exactly 64 years after Willie O'Ree became the NHL's first Black player, the Boston Bruins raised the trailblazer's No. 22 to the rafters.
Gotta See It: What a moment! 🙌
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 19, 2022
64 years after his @NHL debut, Willie O’Ree’s No. 22 has been sent to the rafters in recognition of his profound impact on the game of hockey. 👏
Presented by @Charmin | #EnjoyTheGo pic.twitter.com/yeG9iw7FEs
The 86-year-old couldn't attend the ceremony but expressed his gratitude in a taped speech that aired before the banner-raising.
“I knew my heart would be with the Bruins forever."#NHLBruins | #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/PSBw5LZpoP
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 19, 2022
The Bruins all donned jerseys adorned with the No. 22 during warmups.
Warmies for Willie.#NHLBruins | #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/lgvtMN1jDk
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 18, 2022
The Carolina Hurricanes joined their opponents in paying tribute to O'Ree before the contest.
Tonight we all wear 22. Thank you, Willie.#Willie22 pic.twitter.com/4lFyLVI1Cm
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) January 18, 2022
The New York Islanders also recognized O'Ree before their matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers.
A legend on the ice. A pioneer off the ice.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 18, 2022
Tonight we join the #NHL in celebrating Willie O’Ree for his continuous efforts to grow the game we all love.#Isles | #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/Cts8kBBT56
The former forward's groundbreaking achievement was even more remarkable considering he lost 95% of sight in his right eye after being hit by an errant puck two seasons before he got his NHL call.
The league named O'Ree its director of youth development and ambassador for NHL diversity in 1998. In 2018, it also created the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, which recognizes an individual who made a positive impact on their community, culture, or society through hockey every year.
The Hurricanes won Tuesday's game 7-1.
