Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 23, 2008
• Invested on: April 07, 2010

Willie O'Ree is a hockey pioneer and dedicated mentor to youth who continues to promote the game in communities across Canada and in the United States. He made history as the first Black man to play in the NHL, and had a successful 20-year career despite an injury that left him blind in one eye. He has gone on to become an ambassador for cultural diversity in the league. As the director of youth development for the NHL, he has helped to establish numerous hockey programs for disadvantaged boys and girls all over North America, and has taught them the values of good sportsmanship, teamwork and commitment.