Bruins delay Willie O'Ree's jersey retirement to 2022

Willie O'Ree's jersey retirement has been delayed until next year, the NHL announced on Thursday.

The Boston Bruins were set to honor O'Ree by raising his No. 22 jersey to the rafters on Feb. 18. Instead, after the NHL consulted the Bruins and O'Ree, the ceremony will now take place on Jan. 18, 2022.

"We hope and expect the change will enable us all to commemorate this moment in a way that matches the magnitude of Willie's impact - in front of a TD Garden crowd packed with passionate Bruins fans, who can express their admiration and appreciation for Willie and create the meaningful moment he has earned throughout his incredible career," the league's statement reads.

Jan. 18 is the 64th anniversary of O'Ree becoming the NHL's first Black player. The trailblazer was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018 in the builder category.

O'Ree will be the 12th player in franchise history to have his number retired. He appeared in 45 career games with the Bruins.