Hockey Pioneer Willie O’Ree Makes Several Boston Appearances This Week

This week marks the 60th anniversary of Willie O'Ree breaking the NHL's color barrier. The former Boston Bruins standout has been making several appearances in the area to celebrate the milestone. 

O'Ree held a meet and greet on Sunday at the Knights of Columbus Gaythorne Hall. On Monday, he attended a Martin Luther King Jr. brunch at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. 

Tomorrow, O'Ree will have a street hockey rink unveiled in his honor, have a mural depicting him unveiled and attend the Bruins-Montreal Canadiens game. Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is also declaring January 18th, the date of his first game, as Willie O'Ree Day. 

O'Ree debuted against the Canadiens in 1958 and played in two games that year. He made it back up with the Bruins in 1961 and scored four goals and ten assists in 43 games. 

In addition to his time in the NHL, O'Ree had a very successful minor league career. He was a two-time Western Hockey League scoring champion and played until he was 43 years old. 

O'Ree experienced his greatest success with the San Diego Gulls and has his jersey retired in the San Diego Sports Arena. He is a member of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame and was also named to the Order of New Brunswick and the Order of Canada. 

To inquire about Willie O'Ree's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

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