President Joe Biden on Monday signed legislation into law honoring Willie O'Ree, who became the first Black player to appear in an NHL game, with a Congressional Gold Medal.
The news comes after the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to award the Medal to O'Ree.
The 86-year-old was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal "in recognition of his extraordinary contributions and commitment to hockey, inclusion and recreational opportunity."
Mike QuigleyWillie O'Ree integrated the sport of hockey by becoming the first black player to play in the NHL.<br><br>Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> signed into law my legislation honoring O'Ree with the Congressional Gold Medal.