Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Xavier Gutierrez focus on Black History Month by Alex Kinkopf @AEKinkopf / Arizona Coyotes Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson celebrated Black History Month, paying homage to Willie O'Ree, the first black NHL player. The defenseman wore skates designed by Bauer, which depicted a portrait of O'Ree, among other dedications. Ekman-Larsson wore the skates recently in a game against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. He has signed the skates, which will be auctioned off by the NHL with all proceeds benefiting the Black Girl Hockey Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting black women in the hockey community and making the game more welcoming and accessible.