Capitals honor Willie O'Ree with helmet decal originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree became the first Black player to play in the NHL, debuting for the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens.
Following the 63rd anniversary of such a historic event, the Capitals and the NHL will honor O'Ree with a helmet decal through the end of February.
"In celebration of the 63rd anniversary of Willie O’Ree becoming the first Black player to play in an NHL game, the Capitals are proud to wear this helmet decal through the end of February honoring his immeasurable impact on the game of hockey," the team said.
O'Ree was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018, and the NHL created the annual "Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award" in his honor, to "recognize the individual who has worked to make a positive impact on his or her community, culture or society to make people better through hockey."
Capitals fans will be able to see the decals in action Tuesday night when Washington takes on the Penguins at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Washington.
