(Edmonton) Canada Post will pay tribute to Willie O’Ree, the first black player in NHL history, by producing a stamp bearing his image.
O’Ree is expected to attend the stamp unveiling Saturday in Edmonton, as part of the festivities surrounding the Heritage Classic. The stamp will officially be in circulation on Monday.
O’Ree began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958, and he played in two games with them that season.
The forward played the next two seasons in the minors, before appearing in 43 games with the Bruins in 1960-61. He took the opportunity to score four goals and obtain 10 assists.
Although he only played in a few dozen career NHL games, his impact on the league was significant.
The now 88-year-old, originally from Fredericton, was awarded the Order of Canada in 2008 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2018. His No. 22 jersey has been retired by the Bruins on January 18, 2022, to mark the 64th anniversary of his arrival in the NHL.
Last year, he received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by the United States Congress, for his contributions “to hockey, inclusion and recreational opportunity.”
O’Ree became the first player in league history to receive the honor.