Breaking The Ice

Hello, My name is Willie O’ree, you probably don’t recognize my name. But to hockey fans I’m a pretty big deal.
I was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. I grew up around hockey because that, and baseball, were the only sports in my small town. I had a chance in having a baseball career but, I focused more on hockey. Then I finally got my break. The Quebec Aces signed me not knowing about a secret of mine. I was 95% blind in my right eye. I was hit by a deflected puck and my retina shattered.
The Quebec Aces were a minor league team for the Boston Bruins. I spent some time in the Bruins camp before I was sent back to the minors. That winter, the Bruins ran out of right wingers due to injuries. My number was called. On January 18, 1958, in Montreal, I took the ice with the Boston Bruins, becoming the first black player to make it to the NHL. I was expecting a little more publicity. The press handled it like it was just another story. I didn't care that much about publicity for myself, but it could have been important for other blacks with hopes in hockey. It would have shown that a black could make it.
My happiest moment in the NHL came in 1961 in a game at the Boston Garden on New Year's night. We were playing the Montreal Canadians. It was late in the third period. I received a pass and was carving around the Montreal defense. I took a low shot, keeping the puck along the ice, and it slid into the corner. It was the winning goal. The fans gave me a two-minute standing ovation. It was a great feeling.
I still contribute to the game today. For the past 10 years, I’ve been the director of the NHL’s Diversity program. I hold clinics introducing minority children to the game I love.
Me getting into the NHL was a great example of overcoming adversity. Especially if you take in the fact that there was only 6 NHL teams back then. My message to all is never give in. Keep your head up and give 110% to your goal.