Mike Grier Becomes First Black General Manager In NHL History
San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) Owner Hasso Plattner today announced that Mike Grier has been named as the team's general manager. Grier becomes the fifth general manager in the Sharks franchise history, preceded by Doug Wilson (2003-22), Dean Lombardi (1996-03), Chuck Grillo (1992-96), and Jack Ferreira (1991-92). He has the distinguished honor of becoming the first Black general manager in the history of the National Hockey League. In this role, Grier will have overall authority regarding all aspects of the Sharks hockey-related operations, including overseeing all player personnel decisions, leading the
Willie O’Ree, 1st Black Player in NHL, is a Real Ice Man
By Tamara Shiloh Historically, professional hockey has held fast to its tradition of lacking diversity among its players. But no Black on the ice did not hold Willie O’Ree back. He started playing hockey at age 3 and instantly had a passion for the game. Born on October 15, 1935, in Frederickton, New Brunswick, Canada, O’Ree at the age of 14 years old, played with his brother Richard in organized hockey. Within a year, he was playing with the Frederickton Falcons in New Brunswick Amateur Hockey team. O’Ree played in
Boston Bruins Retire Jersey Of Willie O’Ree, NHL’s First Black Player
Photo: Getty Images The Boston Bruins retired Willie O'Ree's No. 22 jersey before Tuesday's (January 18) Bruins-Hurricanes game. According to a Bruins press release, players took the ice for warm-ups in special-edition jerseys with commemorative Willie O'Ree patches prior to the barrier-breaking hockey player's ceremony. "The ice will feature newly-installed No. 22 decals behind each team's net, which will remain on display for three home games," the Bruins announced. O'Ree broke the NHL's color barrier in 1958, becoming the first Black player to compete in an NHL game exactly 64 years ago when