Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player

This compelling autobiography details the life of Willie O’Ree, a hockey player from New Brunswick who was the first black player in the NHL. His memoir chronicles his life both on the ice and off, describing his childhood, his professional hockey career, his stint with the Boston Bruins, his continued love for hockey, and his role as an ambassador for the NHL and its diversity outreach. Useful for literature circles, small group reading, and class discussions, it addresses issues of identity, racism, and bullying. By exploring Willie’s experiences, students can learn to develop empathy, understanding, and a wider world view, and think critically about lives different from their own.