STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS
News

This Day in Black History: Jan. 18, 1958

Boston Bruins hockey player becomes the first Black player to play a game in the National Hockey League.
Willie O’Ree - Willie O’Ree broke the color barrier on the ice when he was hired by the Quebec Aces, a minor-league team affiliated with the Boston Bruins, in 1956. (Photo:  Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images

Willie O’Ree - Willie O’Ree broke the color barrier on the ice when he was hired by the Quebec Aces, a minor-league team affiliated with the Boston Bruins, in 1956. (Photo:  Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
By Britt Middleton
January 18, 2012 / 7:00 AM

(Photo:  Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)

On January 18, 1958, hockey player Willie O’Ree of the Boston Bruins becomes the first African-American to play in the National Hockey League in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. Since 2007, there have been 40 Black players in the history of the league, and 14 of those were active during the 2006–07 season. 


BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world.

NHLwillie o reesports newsthis day in black history

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.

By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.