Willie O'Ree

Former Boston Bruin
First black player in the National Hockey League
NHL Diversity Ambassador
Hall of Famer
NOT REAL ACCOUNT!

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

June 26, 2018: Today I received a phone call notifying me of my induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. There's no better place to hear the news than my hometown of Fredericton, NB alongside for closest friends and family. If you work hard towards your goals they are achievable!

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

April 7, 2010: I'm honoured to receive the Order of Canada from Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean. I was recognized for something that I take great pride in: My work in hockey, specifically my work as a youth mentor, teaching black children how to love the greatest game on earth as I do!

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1998: I have decided to accept a position with the NHL as their Diversity Ambassador. This wonderful job will grant me the opportunity to meet with young black children across North America and teach them about the greatest game on earth!#ExcitingTimes #DiversityInTheNHL

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1984: I am excited to announce that I have been inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame! I still fondly remember the wonderful days in Fredericton and skating around our frozen yard on makeshift skates with my greatest influence: my older brother Richard.#blessed

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1979: Today, at the age of 43 I have decided to hang-up my skates and retire from the game of hockey. Hockey has given me everything I could have wanted, and my love for it has never waned. As a kid, I had two goals: to play professionally and make it to the NHL... I did both

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

October 9, 1974: Wow! I can't believe it's been 16 years since a black man skated on NHL ice. Congratulations to Mike Marson on being the second black man to play in the NHL! My advice to you is to keep your head up, your stick on the ice, and never lose sight of who you are!

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1964: As a proud Maritimer and African Canadian, I am disgusted to learn what is going on in Halifax. The city is forcibly removing the inhabitants of Africville and bulldozing their houses as they leave, taking away what's left of what they have. Shame on you Halifax!#Africville

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1961: I can personally deal with being the centre of racist remarks, and am usually tight-lipped, but after tonight I need to speak out. I was just butt-ended in the face by a Blackhawks player because of the colour of my skin. I want to thank my teammates for sticking up for me.

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

Jan 19, 1958: Yesterday I was informed by Bruins Coach, Milt Schmidt, that I would be making my NHL debut at the Montreal Forum. It was a dream come true. I was not aware that I broke the colour barrier until I awoke this morning. All that matters is we got the win. #GoBruins

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1957: I hear the N-word so much I think it's my name. But it goes in one ear and out the other. Nothing is going to stop me from getting to the NHL, and when I get there, no racial remark is going to force me out. #Determination #IDareYouToDoubtMe

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1956: Growing up in Fredericton, NB, most people were accepting of me as a black man. Certainly there was some racism albeit indirectly, however this baseball tryout in Georgia has opened my eyes to the divisiveness and extreme racism African Americans face each day. #segregation

[Willie O'Ree @WillieORee2]

1949: Today I met my hero, Jackie Robinson. He asked me if I liked baseball. I told him yes, but that I like hockey better. "There are no black players in the NHL," he said. To which I replied: "I do, and one day I'll play in the big leagues."
I will always remember his smile.