[This issue was confirmed October 23rd with the media advisory of the unveiling. See below. The stamp design is here.]
VSC contributor Danforth Guy reports that “Hockey pioneer and philanthropist” touted by Canada Post for a stamp will be Willie O’Ree, “the first Black man to play in the NHL. The issue date is October 30” and the first-day city will be O’Ree’s birthplace, Fredericton, New Brunswick. (He is shown on the right in 2019.) The issue was later confirmed by Canada Post.
O’Ree was born October 15, 1935, so he will be 88 when the stamp issued. He played for the Boston Bruins. (He is shown below in 1961.) His grandparents were escaped slaves who came to Canada via the Underground Railroad.
O’Ree’s numerous honors include having his jersey retired by the Bruins in 2022; the Order of Canada, the highest civilian award for a Canadian citizen, in 2008; Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2020; and a U.S. Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to “hockey, inclusion and recreational opportunity.” O’Ree was the first player in NHL history to receive the honour. You can read more about O’Ree on Wikipedia.
The NHL produced this tribute video:
Here his speech upon induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame:
And the Royal Canadian Mint’s website has an article you may find of interest, “10 Things You May Not Know About Willie O’Ree.” 
We will post more information as it becomes available, although that may not be until the day of issue.
Updated October 28:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamp celebrates hockey pioneer Willie O’Ree
Stamp pays tribute to the first Black player of the National Hockey League®
EDMONTON – Canada Post issued a new commemorative stamp honouring the life and legacy of Willie O’Ree, the National Hockey League’s first Black player. The stamp was unveiled at an event Saturday in Edmonton as part of the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic weekend festivities.
O’Ree made history when he took the ice for the Boston Bruins® against the Montreal Canadiens® on January 18, 1958, at the Montréal Forum.
Following a trailblazing career, O’Ree has continued to inspire generations of Canadians, dedicating his life to promoting diversity and inclusion in hockey. His work encourages young people to follow their dreams despite obstacles or prejudice. In 2018, O’Ree was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame for his work on and off the ice, and the NHL has since created the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in his honour.
About the stamp issue
Featuring a recent photo of O’Ree wearing his signature fedora cap and an inset photo of him in action on the ice in 1960, the stamp was designed in black and yellow to mirror his uniform colours while playing with the Boston Bruins between 1958 and 1961. The recent photo was taken by photographer Philip Cheung in O’Ree’s San Diego home. [The cover of the stamp bookleet is shown on the left.] The stamp issue is cancelled in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where O’Ree was born and raised. Printed by Colour Innovations, the stamp issue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover.
From left to right at the unveiling Saturday: Sarah Nurse of the PWHL Toronto team; Jeff Scott, Vice-President, Community Development and Industry Growth, NHL; Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers; former NHLers Grant Fuhr and Anson Carter; Doug Ettinger, President and Chief Executive Office, Canada Post; Brian Jennings, Senior Executive Vice-President, Marketing, and Chief Branding Officer, NHL; former NHLer Georges Laraque; and Nazim Kadri of the Calgary Flames.
Updated October 27:
From Canada Post on Friday evening: “Unfortunately, Willie O’Ree will not be attending the unveiling on Saturday, October 28.”
Updated October 23:
Media advisory: Canada Post celebrates hockey pioneer Willie O’Re
EDMONTON – Canada Post invites media to attend the unveiling of a special stamp to celebrate the life and legacy of Willie O’Ree, first Black player of the National Hockey League®.
The upcoming stamp will be officially issued on Monday, October 30, after it is unveiled on Saturday, October 28.
WHO: Willie O’Ree will be joined by family, friends, Anson Carter (former NHL® player), Brian Jennings (Senior Executive Vice-President, Marketing, and Chief Branding Officer, NHL), Jeff Scott (Vice-President, Community Development and Industry Growth, NHL), and Doug Ettinger (President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Post).
WHERE: Wayne Gretzky Ballroom
J.W. Marriott Edmonton ICE District
10344–102 Street NW, Edmonton
WHEN: Saturday, October 28, 11 am, MT
RSVP: We request that media RSVP to media@canadapost.ca to confirm attendance.
