Civil rights leader John Lewis drops ceremonial puck with NHL’s first black player, Willie O’Ree, at Caps game
The Washington Capitals held Black History in Hockey Night at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
Hockey Hall of Famer Willie O’Ree, the NHL’s first black player, was joined on the ice by civil-rights pioneer and United States Representative John Lewis (D-Ga.) for the ceremonial puck drop. O’Ree and Lewis both sported red Capitals jerseys for the occasion. O’Ree wore his own number 22, while Lewis, according to the Associated Press’s Stephen Whyno, wore number 65 in honor of the Selma to Montgomery March from 1965.
After their introduction by PA announcer Wes Johnson, O’Ree and Lewis received a reverent ovation from the DC crowd.
By Ian Oland 1 year ago
