Willie O'Ree, the first black player to appear in an NHL game, drops the puck prior to Niagara University's men's hockey game versus Canisius on Feb. 16, 2012.

National Hockey League (NHL) pioneer Willie O'Ree attended Niagara University’s men's hockey game versus Canisius on Feb. 16, 2012, to take part in a ceremonial puck drop as part of a celebration of Black History Month.

The Purple Eagles beat Canisius, 4-2, in front of 1,249 fans at Dwyer Arena to complete a two-game sweep of Canisius. 

O'Ree became the first black player in the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins on Jan. 18, 1958, against the Montreal Canadiens, paving the way for future players of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.

The Canadian native played 45 games for the Bruins from 1958-61, part of a 21-year career spent mostly with the Los Angeles Blades and the San Diego Gulls of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

“Having a pioneer of the game of hockey like Willie O'Ree at Dwyer Arena is an honor and a privilege,” Niagara Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin said. “He is a powerful example of the ability to reach your dreams through the sport of hockey and having him join us during Black History Month was impactful for our student-athletes.”

O'Ree is presently the NHL's Director of Youth Development, working with the Hockey Is For Everyone initiative, exposing more than 45,000 boys and girls of diverse backgrounds to unique hockey experiences.

The 2003 Lester Patrick Award winner for outstanding service in the sport of hockey in the United States also earned the Order of Canada in 2010, Canada's highest civilian honor.