[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 13 (Friday, January 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E38-E39]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONGRATULATING WILLIE O'REE, NHL TRAILBLAZER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM EMMER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 20, 2023

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Willie O'Ree, 
who today celebrates the 65th anniversary of his first game in the 
National Hockey League. On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree became the 
first Black player in NHL history when he stepped on the ice as a 
winger for the Boston Bruins.
  Willie went on to play more than 24 seasons in the NHL and minor 
leagues, overcoming bigotry and prejudice from fellow players and fans 
alike. On and off the ice, Willie became a champion for diversity in 
the sport. Following his retirement from the game, he became the NHL's 
Diversity Ambassador. In that role, he established the Hockey is for 
Everyone initiative to offer disadvantaged and marginalized children 
the chance to play hockey, create community, and develop important life 
skills.
  In the 117th Congress, we joined Representatives Mike Quigley, Brian 
Higgins, John Katko, and Ayanna Pressley as co-leads of the Willie 
O'Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act. We are proud to say that last year, 
the bill passed, and Willie was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
  I congratulate Willie on this amazing milestone and thank him for 
everything he has done for the sport.

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