FOG BLOG SPORTS NEWS: NB HOCKEY PLAYER WILLIE O'REE'S BOSTON JERSEY NO. RETIRED~

Willie O'Ree's number retired by Boston Bruins...Fredericton-born O'Ree was the first Black player in the National Hockey League....New Brunswick hockey legend Willie O'Ree was honoured Tuesday evening when his number was retired by the team with which he made history.

Jersey No. 22 was retired by the Boston Bruins during a ceremony at TD Garden before the team's game against the Carolina Hurricanes. O'Ree's number was supposed to be retired at a ceremony in February of last year, but it was postponed due to COVID-19 attendance restrictions at the time.

"This is an unforgettable day. I am overwhelmed and thrilled to be a part of the Bruins forever," O'Ree said in a video message. The 86-year-old attended the ceremony virtually from his home in San Diego because of the pandemic.

Fluto Shinzawa, a senior writer at The Athletic who covers the Bruins, said the honour is a long time coming for O'Ree.

"Talk about how courageous you have to be to play hockey in general — well, you amplify that by 100 in Willie's circumstance," said Shinzawa.