In 1958, Willie O’Ree broke barriers and became the first black player to compete in an NHL game. 63 years later, his number 22 will be retired into the TD Garden rafters. Even though O’Ree played 42 NHL games for the Boston Bruins, scoring a total of 14 points in his NHL career, his legacy still continues today.  This season, the Boston Bruins will add two emblems to their helmets: one to honor Travis Roy and his legacy and one to honor Willie O’Ree and his commitment to equality. 

Hockey players either choose random numbers or numbers that mean something to them when entering the league. What does the number 22 signify? According to numerologists, 22 is considered one of the most powerful numbers, as it is a number of precision and balance. The number two symbolizes duality, balance, adaptability, insight and selflessness.

O’Ree’s importance to the NHL deeply influenced later players. Joel Ward named O’Ree as one of his inspirations and voiced his opinion that the number 22 should be retired league wide, like Jackie Robinson’s in the MLB. Madison Bowey had been taught by his Black Canadien father about O’Ree’s importance and had selected the number 22 in honor of Wille O’Ree. 

With his number being retired soon, Willie O’Ree joins players like Eddie Shore, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Terry O’Reilly and Ray Bourque in having their number retired by the Boston Bruins. 

Other Boston Bruins who have worn the number 22:

• Ed Kryzanowski (1951)
• Bill Ezinicki (1952) 
• Joe Klukay (1953-55)
• Norm Corcoran (1953-55)
• Floyd Smith (1955-57)
• Ed Panagabko (1956-57
• Dick Cherry (1957)
• Willie O’Ree (1958-1961)
• Larry Hillman (1958-1960)
• Dick Meissner (1960-62)
• Irv Spencer (1963)
• Bill Knibbs (1965)
• Bob Dillabough (1966-67)
• Jim Lorentz (1969-70)
• Grant Erickson (1969)
• Bill Lesuk (1969)
• Tom Webster (1969)
• Ivan Boldirev (1971-72)
• Chris Oddleifson (1973-74)
• Rick Adduono (1976)
• Brad Park (1976-83)
• Mike Gillis (1984)
• Butch Goring (1985)
• Michael Thelven (1986-1990)
• Bob Beers (1992)
• Jozef Stumpel (1993-95)
• Rick Tocchet (1996-97)
• Ken Baumgartner (1998-99)
• Mikko Eloranta (2000-2002)
• Dennis Bonvie (2002)
• Michal Grosek (2003-2004)
• Brian Leetch (2006)
• Shean Donovan (2007)
• Shawn Thornton (2008-2014)
• Peter Cehlarik (2019-2020)
• Craig Smith (2021) (changed to #12)

Congratulations Willie O”Ree, hopefully your story and legacy continue to inspire others.

Until Next Time

~RJ