O'Ree directs a drill.

East Boston, MA -- Boston Bruins and Bay State Hockey hosted a free youth hockey clinic for youth hockey players (8 - 12 years old) on November 12 at the Porrazzo Skating Rink near Constitution Beach in East Boston.

Willie O'Ree, a former Bruin, and now the Director of Youth Development for the NHL Diversity program directed the activity alongside another former B's player, Bob Sweeney, who is currently the Boston Bruins Foundation's Director of Development.
 
O'Ree, a tireless ambassador for NHL Diversity, broke hockey's color barrier when he broke into the league.

On January 18, 1958, playing for the Boston Bruins against Montreal Canadians, Willie became the first person of color to play in the NHL - an extraordinary event that paved the way for future players of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.

O'Ree, aided by the ever enthusiastic Sweeney, coached the children through an amazing morning of hockey and fun and judging by the smiles on the young players, they came away with a heightened appreciation for the game thanks to the efforts of the two former members of the Black & Gold.