The San Diego Gulls will honor hockey legend Willie O’Ree at their Oct. 16 home game against Bakersfield.

“Willie O’Ree Night” at the Valley View Casino Center will recognize the player who broke the NHL’s color barrier in 1958 when he debuted with the Boston Bruins in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. O’Ree also played much of his career in the Western Hockey League, which is where he is connected to the Gulls. He played eight years in San Diego, spending seven seasons with the Gulls from 1967-74. His final season was with the San Diego Hawks in 1978-79 in the Pacific Hockey League.

The honor comes as part of the celebration for O’Ree’s 80th birthday, which is Oct. 15. The Gulls will raise O’Ree’s No. 20 jersey to the rafters during the ceremony to honor him.

“I am thrilled to celebrate my 80th birthday with the new San Diego Gulls and hockey fans in San Diego,” O’Ree said in a statement. “I’m proud and thankful that the club has chosen to honor me during its inaugural AHL season. This organization has proven time and again its commitment to becoming deeply ingrained in this community, including and beyond the 34 home game dates.”


The Gulls open their inaugural season in the AHL on Oct. 10 when they play host to Grand Rapids.