The NHL's first-ever black hockey player was honored at a Winter Sports Celebration, for Black History Month. And as NY1's Natalie Duddridge reports, current hockey stars are continuing his legacy of diversity in the sport.

Celebrating diversity in hockey, the non-profit, 'Ice Hockey in Harlem,' recognized the first-ever black hockey player in the NHL in honor of Black History Month.

Willie O’Ree broke the NHL color barrier January 18, 1958.

"It was the next morning that I really realized that I opened doors and broke down barriers, I read it in the papers," O'Ree said. "But prior to that I was just another hockey player playing a game in the NHL."

It took another 14-years before a black player was drafted into the league, and O'Ree had to overcome all kinds of obstacles.

"You know racial slurs, racial remarks you know directed to me because of my color," he said. "But names will never hurt you unless you let them."

Decades later, O'Ree has inspired dozens of players including former New York Ranger, turned hockey broadcaster Anson Carter.

"I've known Willie for 20 years," said Carter. "Gracious man gentle soul, not just for black players. To know what Willy went through as a hockey player, cause I know what I went through my struggles."

O'Ree also led the way for current Superstar PK Subban, known for his philanthropy and push to give more kids access to the sport.

"We'd love to see some of these kids play in the NHL but it's not just about that, it's about giving them an opportunity to develop social skills, working with teammates how to work with a team," Subban said.

Officials with Ice Hockey in Harlem say there is still a lot of room for the sport to grow, but their goal is not to create superstars, but to give every kid an equal shot on the ice.

"As Harlem is changing the one thing that's still there, is a pressing need is for families who don't have money to buy equipment to participate in sports like these, that ice hockey in Harlem is there to make sure that's possible," said John Sanful, with Ice Hockey in Harlem.

That's why, as the non-profit celebrates its 30th year — it says the mission remains the same.

Equal time on the ice, and the continuation of O'Ree's legacy.