Willie O'Ree was a pioneer, and Joel Ward believes it's time for him to be honored appropriately.

O'Ree was the first black player in the NHL. He made his debut in 1958, playing two games as a call-up for the Boston Bruins. He scored four goals and added 10 assists in 43 games with the Bruins during the 1960-61 season.

Ward, a San Jose Sharks forward, believes it's time the NHL discussed retiring O'Ree's No. 22, writes ESPN's Joe McDonald, much like Major League Baseball did with Jackie Robinson's No. 42.

"That's something to definitely talk about for sure," Ward said. "It would be great if they did. Obviously that's something that would be a great discussion about. With the amount of respect Willie has around the league, it would definitely be something special if that did come up.

"I definitely think Willie should be recognized for sure. The league obviously does that with a task force, but I do think that Willie should definitely be a big part of the league for sure for what he did. It's a no-brainer. Without Willie, it would be tough for me to be sitting here today. I definitely think Willie should be a big part of this."

Ward wears No. 42 to honor Robinson, the first black player in MLB history. In 1997, MLB retired Robinson's number, and the league celebrates his legacy each season on Jackie Robinson Day, every April 15.

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