"Meet Willie O'Ree -- the first Black hockey player to play in the NHL. He blazed a trail for diversity on and off the ice! On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree made history when he suited up with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens. O'Ree went on to play a total of 45 games with the Bruins, a remarkable achievement considering all he had to overcome to get there. He was often subjected to racism, bigotry and name-calling. He was blind in one eye -- something he had to keep secret or he'd never play in the NHL. But thanks to his relentless positivity, perseverance and love of the game, Willie's time with the Bruins is only the beginning of his achievements in hockey. Players like Grant Fuhr, Jarome Iginla and many others looked to him for inspiration. For the past twenty years he has served as the NHL's Director of Youth Development and ambassador for NHL diversity and is the leader of the "Hockey Is For Everyone" program -- a title he still holds today. Finally, in January of 2018, Willie was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. According to the NHL commissioner, "There are a select few about whom it can truly be said: 'He changed the game.' Willie O'Ree is among that select few." ".