After dropping the ceremonial puck at the Caps game on Tuesday, Willie O’Ree, the first black hockey player to compete in the NHL, was honored at the Embassy of Canada on Wednesday. Speakers included NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton, Congressman Mike Quigley, Congressman and former hockey player Pete Stauber, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Guests included folks from the Congressional Hockey Caucus.
A statement from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was read. “Tonight, we gather to celebrate the life achievements of an esteemed sports legend.