Willie O'Ree made history in Boston once again on Tuesday night.
Before the puck dropped between the Bruins and Hurricanes, Boston celebrated the first black player to play in an NHL game. O'Ree's No. 22, was retired into the rafters of TD Garden exactly 64 years after he suited up in his first game with the Bruins to face the Canadiens.
Although O'Ree couldn't attend the ceremony in-person due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in North America, he attended virtually as his number was hoisted into the rafters. O'Ree's number was also painted onto the ice behind the net in celebration of the accomplishments in his career.
Gotta See It: What a moment! 🙌
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 19, 2022
64 years after his @NHL debut, Willie O’Ree’s No. 22 has been sent to the rafters in recognition of his profound impact on the game of hockey. 👏
Presented by @Charmin | #EnjoyTheGo pic.twitter.com/yeG9iw7FEs
Welcome to The Rafters, Willie. 👏 #NHLBruins | #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/L5eGIJD9PB
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 19, 2022
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O'Ree first made history on Jan. 18, 1958, and became the first black player to play in the NHL. He went on to play in Boston until 1961 and recorded four goals with 14 points. He experienced harsh racial discrimination and adversity throughout his career and paved the way for future generations of players. O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
“It was a memorable night,” O’Ree said, via CBS17 in Boston. “I’m just thrilled and overwhelmed.”
NHL players, including Wayne Simmonds and Ryan Reaves, also shared their thoughts on the ceremony. Simmonds referred to O'Ree as his 'idol,' while Reaves said a few meaningful words during the Bruins' tribute video. Former NHL player Shawn Thornton, who also wore No. 22 during his career in Boston, reflected on O'Ree's impact on the sport.
Tonight my idol Willie O’Ree’s number 22 will be hung from the rafters (Finally). I can’t stress how much Mr O’Ree has meant to me and millions of other BIPOC kids who love the game of hockey… Congratulations MR O’Ree
— Wayne Simmonds (@Simmonds17) January 18, 2022
Ryan Reaves shared a special message in the @NHLBruins' tribute video ahead of Willie O'Ree's banner-raising ceremony. #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/jVm6Rbzohp
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 19, 2022
Tonight Willie O’Ree joined a legendary group of players who have had an enormous impact on our game. I was proud to also wear that #22 for the @NHLBruins and it’s amazing to see it here in the rafters in his honor along with my friend and colleague Brett Peterson. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/6Qia2X1IcJ
— Shawn Thornton FDN (@ThorntonFDN) January 19, 2022
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The city of Boston also joined in the celebration for the former hockey player. City Hall, Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium were all lit up in gold to celebrate the everlasting impact that O'Ree has on hockey and how he set the 'gold standard' for future generations.
City Hall is lit up in gold tonight to honor Willie O'Ree—who became the first Black @NHL player on this day in 1958. #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/sirDQ6tz2H
— Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 (@MayorWu) January 18, 2022
Tonight Fenway Park goes gold for Willie O’Ree who, on this date in 1958, made history with the @NHLBruins and became the first Black player in the NHL.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 18, 2022
Tonight, his No. 22 will be raised to the TD Garden rafters. #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/U4qxVfGgch
Ryan Reaves shared a special message in the @NHLBruins' tribute video ahead of Willie O'Ree's banner-raising ceremony. #Willie22 pic.twitter.com/jVm6Rbzohp
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 19, 2022
O'Ree, who works as a diversity ambassador for the NHL said, “I think when these boys and girls come in the arena and look up at it, they’ll see you can do anything you want to do, if you set your heart and mind to it."
The Bruins were unable to rise to the moment on the ice, however, falling 7-1 to the Hurricanes Tuesday night.