Senate Passes Bill to Award First Black Hockey Player in History a Congressional Gold Medal

The first Black hockey player with an outstanding career with the National Hockey League (NHL) is finally receiving his flowers.

The Senate passed a bill for Willie O’Ree, 85, who started his professional career in the NHL for the Boston Bruins in 1958, to award him with a congressional gold medal.

O’Ree first joined the league when O’Ree was blind in one eye because of an injury from two years prior. The extraordinary athlete still was able to compete in 40 plus games during his tenure in the league.

The hockey icon was the NHL’s first diversity ambassador in 1998. Since then, he has made a huge impact with his “Hockey is for Everyone” youth hockey program.

According to The Hill, senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) first introduced the bill back in February. The Senate unanimously passed the bill and now is heading to the House Of Representatives.

“From the hockey arena to serving young athletes in his community, Willie O’Ree’s legacy has inspired generations,” Scott reportedly stated.

Stabenow declared O’Ree as a “trailblazer for young people across the country.”

“He has also been a leader in the community, including his leadership through the Hockey Is For Everyone programs he championed in Detroit and around Michigan. Willie O’Ree has set an example for all of us as Americans,” she said. 

Chairman of the NHL board of governors and owner of the Boston Bruins, Jeremy M. Jacobs, said the Bruins are proud of its long-standing relationship with O’Ree, whom he called “a tremendous figure in hockey both on and off the ice.”