23,376 days.
Sixty-four years to the day.
This is how long it’s been since Willie O’Ree skated onto the ice at the Montreal Forum as a member of the Boston Bruins to break the NHL’s color barrier by becoming the first Black player in league history.
Sixty-four years to the day.
Yet no matter how many years have passed, O’Ree’s legacy will never fade nor be forgotten. If anything, as the trailblazer who paved the way for countless future generations of Black players who have and will play in the NHL, as the league’s longtime Diversity Ambassador, both O’Ree’s legacy and impact will continue to be felt and will continue grow for years to come.
On Tuesday, O’Ree’s legacy grew even further, when his No. 22 was retired by the Boston Bruins.
O’Ree, 86, was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to concerns related to COVID, joining the festivities via video from his home in San Diego.
In O’Ree’s absence, his banner was escorted to the ice by Bruins alumni Anson Carter and representatives from SCORE Boston, which aims to bring hockey to children throughout the Boston area.
Which was perhaps appropriate.
O’Ree’s legacy has never been about his stats. These include a modest four goals and 10 assists for the Bruins in 45 games between 1958-61, as well as an additional 22 seasons playing for eight different teams at the minor league level.
O’Ree’s legacy is all about inclusion.
And as his No. 22 was raised to the rafters, it was lifted by those who his efforts most helped paved the way for in the sport.
“I will never forget how my teammates in the Bruins locker room accepted me as one of their own,” O’Ree said from his home in San Diego.
Members of the current Bruins wore No. 22 jerseys to support O’Ree during warmups.
Support rang in from throughout the hockey world as well, including heartfelt sentiments shared by Maple Leafs Wayne Simmonds.
Perhaps NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman put it best.
“More than 8,200 players have suited up for at least one game in the National Hockey League’s 105-year history,” Bettman said. “Willie O’Ree is among the select few who made a unique, transformative and enduring contribution to the NHL.
“Merely by stepping onto the ice at the Montreal Forum in a Boston Bruins sweater 64 years ago, Willie truly changed our game. He has spent every day since not only living his life as a role model to be emulated and admired, but working tirelessly to personally connect with and inspire thousands of children with his life story and life lessons our sport imparts.”
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