Mr. Speaker, as we continue to celebrate Black History Month and give honour and recognition to the contributions of Black Canadians, I wanted to give a special tribute to a hockey legend: New Brunswick's very own Mr. Willie O'Ree.
Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Willie O'Ree has had a tremendous impact on the world of hockey. On January 18, 1958, he was called up to replace an injured Bruin to play against the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first player to break the Black colour barrier in hockey. After his playing career was over, Willie became a champion for diversity, serving as the NHL's diversity ambassador from 1998 to this day. In 2018 he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. It was recently announced that on January 18 of next year, he would be honoured yet again by having his number, 22, retired by the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on the 64th anniversary of his historic entry into the NHL.
I congratulate Mr. O'Ree on this tremendous honour. I thank him for his contribution to Canada's beloved game and his continued advocacy and promotion of diversity and respect for others.