Al Montoya hopes to make impact like Willie O’Ree

One day, Al Montoya might be considered the Willie O’Ree of the Cuban-American community.

Nothing would make him prouder.

Montoya, a veteran goaltender in his first season with the Montreal Canadiens, is the first player of Cuban heritage to play in the NHL; O’Ree became the first black player in NHL history when he made his debut with the Boston Bruins against the Canadiens at the Montreal Forum on Jan. 18, 1958.