Breaking the Ice: The Willie O’Ree Story

In the late 1950s, the NHL was a sport played entirely by white athletes. But on January 18, 1958, Willie O’Ree became the first Black player to skate in an NHL game. It takes a special kind of person to be the first—someone with courage, determination, and a belief that no barrier is too high to break.

O’Ree’s debut wasn’t just about making history—it was about opening doors for future generations. In this episode we’ll dive into his story and the legacy he left on his sport.

 

 

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