And a special section for Willie O'Ree, the first African American professional hockey player. He played his first game January 18th, 1958 for the Boston Bruins. The write up about him didn't shy away from the fact he faced a lot of discrimination and abuse. It was so bad he only lasted 2 seasons before choosing to go back to the minors where he played for 14 more years. He was later recognized for his barrier breaking and what he endured, and that hat trophy is the Willie O'Ree Community Award, which is given out each year to the player who has made the most impact on their community, culture or society at large. The man himself is still alive (88 years old at the time I write this), and the NHL Director of Youth Development.
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