O’Ree Jersey Retirement Showcases Best In Bruins

By: Evan Michael | Follow me on Twitter @00EvanMichael

The Boston Bruins organization brought out their *best ahead of January 18th’s game at TD Garden in honor of Willie O’Ree.

Looking good up there, 2️⃣2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/mKQVKwxidc
— NESN (@NESN) January 19, 2022

They retired his No. 22 jersey number high into the rafters amidst raucous applause from fans, players, management and ownership alike (*they saved their worst for the actual game against Carolina, unfortunately).

Fortunately, as I wrote about here on the Black N’ Gold Hockey Blog, O’Ree’s storied career and impact on the game, particularly his post-playing years as the NHL’s Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador after becoming the first black player to skate in a professional game, deserved such a momentous occasion like this one.

And it wasn’t just the crowd in attendance who took notice. We’ve collected “the best of the best” in honor of O’Ree when it comes to messages, posts and tributes to his character and his legacy — all shared before, during and after his historic night in Boston.

Boston Bruins Alumni

Ray Bourque (No. 77) shared his congratulations and “welcome to the club” to O’Ree by adding on to an impressive post by the official @NHLBruins Twitter account that featured the likes of Terry O’Reilly (No. 24), Rick Middleton (No. 16), Phil Esposito (No. 7), Johnny Bucyk (No. 9) and Cam Neely (No. 8) all tipping their cap to No. 22 in heartfelt video clips!

Well deserved, Willie. Congratulations and welcome to the club.#NHLBruins #Willie22 https://t.co/YrirMQ4Dhp
— Ray Bourque (@RayBourque77) January 19, 2022

The Hockey Hall of Fame

Through a series of tweets and re-posted remembrances, the HHOF shared their love for O’Ree in fine fashion, recounting not only his career on the ice, but all the game-changing and indeed life-saving actions he took off the ice in hockey communities across the U.S. and Canada to make a difference for diverse youth players.

Congratulations to Honoured Member Willie O'Ree, who will have his number retired by the @NHLBruins tonight!

Read more of Willie's career on and off the ice https://t.co/lHhF9HZOEZ #HHOF18

📸 Matthew Manor/HHOF pic.twitter.com/NxkxubqSF4
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) January 18, 2022

NHL Players & Teams

From current to retired players, from divisional rivals to playoff opponents, from team broadcasters to team owners, the entire hockey community posted their love and thanks to O’Ree following his jersey retirement ceremony. Here are some of the few that shone brightly, just like No. 22.

I can't say thank you enough to Willie O'Ree for paving the way for kids like me and other BIPOC hockey players. https://t.co/FiXiEsqtwS
— Bryce Salvador (@BryceSalvador) January 19, 2022

Tonight Willie O’Ree joined a legendary group of players who have had an enormous impact on our game. I was proud to also wear that #22 for the @NHLBruins and it’s amazing to see it here in the rafters in his honor along with my friend and colleague Brett Peterson. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/6Qia2X1IcJ
— Shawn Thornton FDN (@ThorntonFDN) January 19, 2022

The @NHL, the @Capitals and teams across the league honored Hockey Hall of Famer Willie O'Ree last night as the Boston Bruins retired his number 22 jersey. #Willie22 https://t.co/mciFITe9uq
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) January 19, 2022

Willie O'Ree will have his jersey retired by the @NHLBruins tonight.

Our own @PKSubban1 reflects on the legacy O'Ree started as the first Black @NHL player.#NJDevils | @RWJBarnabas pic.twitter.com/WHE2mf1dr9
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 18, 2022

The United States of America & Canada

That’s right, the U.S. Congress and Canadian Government spotlighted O’Ree and all he’s done for his community, his country (he’s from Fredericton in New Brunswick, CAN) and his favorite game. Undoubtedly, these messages and posts will soon become some of his favorites to reflect back on, especially the recently received Congressional Gold Medal!

The House and Senate have passed a measure awarding the first black player in the @NHL, Willie O'Ree, the congressional gold medal. Here's O'Ree, 86, watching the vote earlier today (h/t NHL). More tonight on @cbseveningnews. pic.twitter.com/GitASDfDRy
— Arden Farhi (@ArdenFarhi) January 19, 2022

OTD in 1958, Willie O’Ree became the first Black player in the @NHL, playing for the #BostonBruins against the #MontrealCanadiens in his 1st game. O’Ree became an ambassador for the NHL Diversity Program and was inducted into the @HockeyHallFame in 2018 🏒https://t.co/QuwTbAibIP
— Canada (@Canada) January 18, 2022

Another historic honor for Willie O’Ree!

Congratulations to Willie for being awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing his trailblazing impact across hockey and society.

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/1QqRahRbCj pic.twitter.com/9jOerLh3u8
— NHL (@NHL) January 19, 2022

And to top it off, the House just passed the Willie O'Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act! As the first Black player in the @NHL, Willie broke countless barriers and inspired millions. I couldn't be more proud to honor this hockey legend. https://t.co/sHQvTZSU90
— Brenda Lawrence (@RepLawrence) January 19, 2022

Local, National & Global News Stations

Willie O’Ree’s “reach” on the game of hockey far exceeded the streets and rinks of Boston. Which is why dozens of news stations from around his home of San Diego to New England to all over the country and world highlighted his jersey retirement ceremony, career and life accomplishments.

Willie O'Ree, who played seven seasons with the original San Diego Gulls after becoming the first black to play in the NHL will have his jersey retired by the Boston Bruins, 64 years later. https://t.co/cGKZZd3x0j
— CBS 8 San Diego (@CBS8) January 18, 2022

Willie O’Ree’s Jersey Number 22 Retired By Bruinshttps://t.co/NmAWLYGC8e
— WBZ Boston Sports (@wbzsports) January 19, 2022

The Boston Bruins honored the first Black player in the NHL, Willie O'Ree, by retiring his number 22 before Tuesday's game — 64 years after he took the ice for the first time, the team says. He's the 12th player in Bruins history with their number retired. https://t.co/goxfDeUA4c
— CNN (@CNN) January 19, 2022

Feel free to share your favorite Willie O’Ree moments, milestones and memories in the comments below and keep checking back with the Black N’Gold Hockey Blog for more historical articles on Boston Bruins players, coaches and alumni!