Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman P.O Joseph marveled recently at how much hockey has grown since he was one of three players of color who were chosen in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft.

June 20, 2025 Amanda Forrester / [email protected] Howell Challenge Camp founder Sarah Dunkel-Jackson has been named as the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award presented by Discover U.S. winner.

The academy is named in honor of O’Ree, who became the NHL’s first Black player when he debuted with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum on Jan. 18, 1958.

Brent Dodginghorse wins NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero AwardDodginghorse, who won the WHL’s President’s Cup with the Calgary Hitmen in 1999, is also a consultant for the Calgary Flames and works ...