A big moment in the NHL as a hockey legend sees his jersey retired.
Boston will hoist Willie O’Ree’s Number 22 banner from the rafters of TD Garden before the Bruins hit the ice against Carolina on Tuesday night.
O’Ree’s number will be the 12th retired by Boston.
He joins the ranks of Lionel Hitchman, Dit Clapper, Eddie Shore, Milt Schmidt, Bobby Orr, Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, Terry O’Reilly, Cam Neely, and Rick Middleton.
The Hockey Hall of Famer grew up in Fredericton and became the first Black person to play in the National Hockey League.
His debut game was against the Montreal Canadiens on January 18th, 1958.
It's been an incredible journey for Willie O'Ree. Thank you for every moment.
Join the NHL in celebrating Willie as the @NHLBruins retire his jersey forever Tuesday at 7p ET on @Sportsnet, @NESN, @ESPNPlus, @NHLNetwork and https://t.co/D5CMtvvLtP. pic.twitter.com/gT6vdJMnrj
— NHL (@NHL) January 17, 2022
That date has since been named Willie O’Ree Day.
The City of Fredericton had planned to hold a retirement ceremony and flag raising in honour of his jersey being retired.
That celebration has been postponed due to current COVID-19 public health protocols.
A new date has not yet been chosen.
O’Ree was also set to attend the ceremony in Boston, but he’ll now participate virtually from his home in San Diego because of the pandemic.
