Willie O’Ree Stamp

Our stamp honouring hockey trailblazer Willie O’Ree. O’Ree began his hockey career in 1958 with the Boston Bruins when he became the first Black person to play in an NHL game. Following his career on the ice he worked as the NHL’s diversity ambassador, traveling across North America sharing his story and experiences as the NHL’s first Black player. He has helped to establish grassroots hockey programs across North America as part of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative. The design celebrates his career both on and off the ice with collage illustration by Mike McQuade and photography by Philip Cheung.

Client: Canada Post
Illustrator: Mike McQuade
Photographer: Philip Cheung