This has been a big year for Black hockey trailblazer, Willie O’Ree.
In January, the Boston Bruins retired his jersey number in an emotional ceremony at TD Garden.
Then yesterday, the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) announced that O’Ree had joined the ownership group of the Boston Pride.
“It is a thrill for me to extend my involvement in the sport and community that are such special parts of my life,” said O’Ree in a statement. “The growth of the women’s game is so important, and I admire these world class athletes for being role models who are making a difference for younger generations. I have always received tremendous love and support in Boston. I’m proud to be a member of the Pride and look forward to cheering these women on as they compete for another championship.”
The PHF, formerly known as the National Women’s Hockey League, is continuing to grow and attract big names to the league and sport.
On Monday the Federation announced that the Toronto Six franchise had been sold to a BIPOC ownership group featuring former NHL player Anthony Stewart, Hockey Hall of Famer Angela James, Carnegie Initiative co-chair Bernice Carnegie and former NHL coach of the year Ted Nolan.
Now with the addition of Willie O’Ree, the PHF adds a trailblazing figure to the reigning Isobel Cup champions and the league as an owner.
“This is a really exciting day for the Boston Pride and we are honored to welcome Willie, an iconic hockey pioneer, to our ownership group,” said Miles Arnone, Chair and Principal Owner of the Boston Pride. “Willie is a true hockey trailblazer that has given so much of his life to the sport. His mission is reflected in our values as an organization and as a league that strives to grow the game for everyone.”
Hockey has a checkered history with race, so it’s great to see the sincere and concrete efforts being made to improve and increase inclusion in the sport for all.
