Who is this?

Willie Edon O'Ree is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, best known for being the first Black player in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played as a winger for the Boston Bruins. O'Ree is referred to as the "Jackie Robinson of ice hockey" for breaking the Black color barrier in the National Hockey League and has stated publicly that he had met Jackie Robinson when he was younger. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2018.

O'Ree is a part of hockey lore. His story was riddled with hardships to overcome the pursuit of his groundbreaking dreams as he suited up in 45 games for the Boston Bruins from 1958 to 1961, recording four goals and 14 points. His entire tenure there was marred by violence. Being the only Black player in the NHL made O'Ree a focus of vicious, racially charged attacks, from horrific slurs spewed by fellow players and fans, to targeted altercations on the ice -- one of which knocked out O'Ree's front teeth and broke his nose.

Yet, he continued to play even though he played 45 games over four seasons, despite being legally blind in one eye.

On February 25, 2021, a bill was introduced by the US Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Willie O'Ree, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions and commitment to hockey, inclusion, and recreational opportunity.