Willie O’Ree becomes the first black player in the National Hockey League when he plays left wing for the Bruins in their 3-0 victory over the Canadiens at the Montreal Forum. The 22 year-old’s NHL debut for Boston occurs 18 months before Pumpsie Green breaks the color line of the Red Sox, the last team to integrate in the major leagues.

This Day In Baseball

On January 18, 1958 — Willie O’Ree becomes the first black player in the National Hockey League when he plays left wing for the Bruins in their 3-0 victory over the Canadiens at the Montreal Forum. The 22 year-old’s NHL debut for Boston occurs 18 months before Pumpsie Green breaks the color line of the Red Sox, the last team to integrate in the major leagues.

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National Pastime January 28

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