The Premier Hockey Federation announced on Thursday that Bruins legend Willie O'Ree has joined the Boston Pride's ownership group.
O'Ree, 86, broke the NHL's color barrier in 1958. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018 and had his No. 22 retired by the Bruins in January.
O'Ree has been the NHL's Diversity Ambassador since 1998, devoting more than two decades to growing the game of hockey and promoting diversity and inclusion.
“It is a thrill for me to extend my involvement in the sport and community that are such special parts of my life,” O’Ree said. “The growth of the women’s game is so important, and I admire these world class athletes for being role models who are making a difference for younger generations. I have always received tremendous love and support in Boston. I’m proud to be a member of the Pride and look forward to cheering these women on as they compete for another championship.”
The Pride were one of the four founding members of the PHF (formerly known as the National Women's Hockey League) in 2015. They won the league's championship, the Isobel Cup, in 2016 and 2021.
“This is a really exciting day for the Boston Pride and we are honored to welcome Willie, an iconic hockey pioneer, to our ownership group,” said Miles Arnone, chair and principal owner of the Pride. “Willie is a true hockey trailblazer that has given so much of his life to the sport. His mission is reflected in our values as an organization and as a league that strives to grow the game for everyone.”
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