Today has been declared "Willie O'Ree Day" by the NHL. It is the fiftieth anniversery of Willie O'Ree's first game in the NHL. He was the first black player in the NHL. He is often referred to as the "Jackie Robinson of Hockey". Although he didn't play a lot in the NHL (there were only six teams) he played professional hockey for a long time. He lost sight in his right eye while in juniors, and didn't tell anyone, because they might not let him play.

He played in the Western Hockey League for San Diego for many years. I had the priviledge of being at the San Diego Gulls game when his number was retired and a banner raised in the San Diego Sports Arena. He now works for the NHL going throughout Canada and the US helping with hockey diversity programs in big cities!

Join me in giving three woots for Mr. O'Ree!

:) Woot! :D Woot! :lol: Woot! 8)