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Willie O'Ree

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Hockey Player

The Resume

    (October 15, 1935- )
    Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
    Forward for the Boston Bruins (1957-58, 1960-61)

Why he might be annoying:

    He was primarily a minor league journeyman.
    Many fans and pundits alike don't remember his name.
    May trivia buffs fail to acknowledge his accomplishment of breaking the NHL's color barrier.
    When he reached the NHL, he failed to tell anyone he was blind in his right eye.
    Many journalists refer to him as the NHL's first African-American when he is Canadian.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was the first black player in NHL history.
    Despite enduring taunts and racial epithets from fans, he didn't let it affect his career.
    He paved the way for many minority players to pursue hockey careers.
    Prior to the 2004-05 lockout, the NHL's diversity weekend was named the Willie O'Ree All-Star Weekend in honor of his accomplishment.
    He remains extremely proud of his accomplishment.

Credit: Ricky


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2022, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 4 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 23 Votes: 56.52% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 19 Votes: 52.63% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 30 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 22 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 30 Votes: 46.67% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 38 Votes: 65.79% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 26 Votes: 15.38% Annoying