Willie O'Ree To Be Honored Saturday
January 15, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release
SAN DIEGO - This Saturday will mark the 45th anniversary of Willie O'Ree breaking the color barrier in the NHL. The San Diego Gulls will honor one of their former legends with a special pre-game ceremony.
When he suited up for the Boston Bruins on Jan. 18, 1958, O'Ree became the first black player to ever play in the NHL. His B's skated to a 3-0 triumph over the Canadiens at hockey's historic Montreal Forum. Before the Gulls - Anchorage Aces game Saturday, fans will have their opportunity to pay tribute to O'Ree.
"I'm absolutely thrilled about this," O'Ree said. "The Gulls have always been a fantastic organization - past to present. I've known Ron and Ernie Hahn for a long time as well as the entire front office, which has been so great to me and my family."
After his stint ended in Boston and the NHL, O'Ree came out west, and eventually landed with the old Western Hockey League's Gulls. He spent the better part of eight seasons playing in "America's Finest City:" seven with the Gulls and one with the Pacific Hockey League's San Diego Hawks.
O'Ree notched 360 points (174g, 186a) in 460 career games with the Gulls and Hawks, fourth most by any player in San Diego professional hockey history. He was the first player to ever have his jersey (No. 20) retired at the San Diego Sports Arena. To say the least, O'Ree was one of the all-time favorites to ever don a San Diego sweater.
"The fans have also been so great to me - from my days with the Gulls in the old WHL to now. San Diego will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only because I played here, but because of the community in general. This tribute will be quite an honor."
O'Ree ended up playing 45 games in the NHL, registering 14 points (4g, 10a). He amassed 1,022 points for 11 teams in his entire 21-year pro career.
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