On Monday, February 3rd, the Ottawa Senators, NHL and Black History Ottawa organized a commemorative hockey game to celebrate the league that operated from 1895 to the 1930’s that was made up of the sons and grandsons of escaped slaves from the United States.
Our very own Daniel Johnson participated in the game, which featured NHL alumni such as Chris Neil, Shaun Van Allen, Brad Smyth, Fred Brathwaite, and Hockey Night in Canada Host, Ron MacLean. Willie O’Ree, the NHL’s first ever black player was on hand for the ceremonial puck drop while Ottawa Senator’s forward Anthony Duclair was an honorary coach.Hockey experts believe the league played a monumental role in revolutionizing the game of hockey with the birth of the slap shot and butterfly style goaltending.To read more about the game click here.