Bruins to retire Willie O’Ree’s number 22 this season

The Boston Bruins are set to honor the NHL’s first black player in a big way.

The team announced they are retiring Willie O’Ree’s number 22 and hanging it up in the rafters at TD Garden during a ceremony prior to their game against the New Jersey Devils on February 18.

The 85-year old, who made his NHL debut for the Bruins back in 1958, has already been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame under the builder category.

He ended his brief NHL career with four goals and 10 assists in 45 combined games. He also enjoyed a lengthy career in the WHL with the Los Angeles Blades and San Diego Gulls in the 1960’s and 1970’s.