Will O’Ree played his first professional game

January 18, 1958 –
Afro-Canadian Willie O’Ree was the very first black player in the NHL Signed by Boston Bruins he made his NHL debut with the Bruins on this date, against the Montreal Canadiens.

O’Ree appeared in two games that year playing as a winger, and came back in 1961 to play 43 games, scoring 4 goals and 10 assists. O’Ree is referred to as the “Jackie Robinson of ice hockey” due to breaking the black color barrier in the sport.