This Day in Black History: Jan. 18, 1958

Hockey player Willie O’Ree integrates the National Hockey League.

Posted: 01/18/2012 07:00 AM EST
Willie O'Ree

(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. 


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