Willie Eldon O'Ree

My HERO is Willie Eldon O'Ree because he broke the color barrier for the NHL (National Hockey League). Willie has three important qualities; they are courage, determination, and perseverance.

Willie O'Ree shows courage by being the first black person to play ice hockey in the NHL, for the Boston Bruins in 1957-58 and 1960-61 . Even when people made racial remarks about him on the ice during the Canadians and Bruins game, he wouldn't fight back with those people on the ice or in the stands. He set a very great example for all black people that would have a dream to be in the NHL.

Although Willie was a great baseball player, he was determined to play ice hockey. Even when hockey fans would yell negative and mean things like, "Go back to the South," or "Why aren't you picking cotton," Willie O'Ree continued because it was his dream. Willie O'Ree was extremely nervous to play his first NHL game, but he knew he had the support of his team and coach.

While Willie was one of thirteen children in a town of just two black families, he wouldn't ever give up. He played with one blind eye throughout his entire ice hockey career. Willie is called the Jackie Robinson of hockey. He received the Order of Canada award, the highest civilian award for a Canadian citizen as a leader in hockey and champion of youth.

Even though Willie Eldon O'Ree had to overcome many things, he will be remembered as being the first black hockey player in NHL history. I am proud to call Willie Eldon O'Ree my hero because he is an amazing example of courage, determination, and perseverance.