Spike Lee turns the spotlight on NHL trailblazer Willie O'Ree
Spike Lee has made a career out of being a trailblazer, so it should be no surprise that the acclaimed filmmaker turned his focus on hockey pioneer Willie O'Ree recently. Lee produced a short film (directed by Amani Martin) about the first man to break the NHL's color barrier, as part of ESPN's Lil' Joints series. Check it out:
We actually just passed the anniversary of O'Ree's debut in a Boston jersey, which happened on Jan. 18, 1958 against the Montreal Canadiens. Still an ambassador for the game, O'Ree has been involved in countless initiatives involving grassroots hockey over the years.