It usually passes under the radar of famous firsts, but on January 18, 1958, Willie O’Ree of Fredericton, New Brunswick and the Boston Bruins overcame the “behind closed doors” racism of his sport to become the first black NHL player.
It usually passes under the radar of famous firsts, but on January 18, 1958, Willie O’Ree of Fredericton, New Brunswick and the Boston Bruins overcame the “behind closed doors” racism of his sport to become the first black NHL player.