MOSCOW, Jan 18 Boston Bruins to retire Canadian Willie's number O'ri, who became the first black player in the National Hockey League (NHL), according to the club's website. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday evening, before the start of Boston's home game against the Carolinas. O'ry wore number 22 for Boston, making him the 12th player in Bruins history to be so honored.» Throughout the history of the NHL, there have been very few people who have had such a huge impact on the league and its culture, like Willie O'Ree,» Boston general manager Charlie Jacobs said. «Breaking racial differences, he joined Boston in 1958 and retired in 1979. Willie became an absolute ambassador for improving diversity and inclusion. The entire hockey world is forever indebted to Willie for everything he has done and continues to do for the sport.We are incredibly proud to have his number out and cement his legacy as one of Boston's greatest athletes.O'Ree made his debut with Boston on January 18, 1958. He played in two games that season and returned to the Bruins in 1960–61 in 43 games, scoring 14 points (4 goals + 10 assists). In November 2018, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
