New Brunswick native Willie O’Ree has been honoured with a stamp by Canada Post.
The announcement was made over the weekend during the NHL Heritage Classic in Edmonton.
Those in attendance included current and former Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames players as well as Canada Post staff.
“Being honoured with a Canada Post commemorative stamp is such a special moment for me and my family,” said O’Ree.
“Our hope is that this stamp will encourage current and future generations of Canadians to reimagine what is possible, both on and off the ice.”
Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in 1935, O’Ree began playing hockey at the age of five. He played minor hockey across eastern Canada before signing a contract with the Boston Bruins.
O’Ree made his NHL debut with Boston on January 18, 1958, against the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first Black player in league history. He retired from hockey in 1973.
O’Ree has been inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
He also received the Order of Canada and the Order of New Brunswick and had his number 22 retired by the Bruins.
The stamp is available to collectors and can be found by clicking here.
Comments