Boston University star Jordan Greenway is known for making big shots on the ice, but the college student will be making history in Pyeongchang as the first black player on Team USA hockey.
Greenway says it's unbelievable.
"Making the Olympic team, being the first African American everything, it’s an honor."
The junior forward was drafted by the Minnesota Wild, but the 6'6" bruising big man says playing for the Olympic team is his biggest accomplishment.
"I want to win a gold medal, you know breaking the color barrier like that, it’s great, I mean it’s unbelievable. You know, not many people get to say they are the first to do something."
Greenway grew up in tiny Canton, New York.
"Most of the people there play hockey. There is a rink everywhere you go."
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Greenway and his brother, who plays hockey at Wisconsin, were standouts on the ice and in other ways.
"We were different, but it was never really a problem, we just kind of accepted it."
Greenway loves teaching hockey to people who don't know the game.
While his Olympic journey is just beginning, it's already historic.
"I hope that I can just be a role model for other African American kids," Greenway says. "I hope I’m the first of many, and I hope there are more African Americans that start playing the game."
After the Olympics, Greenway will return to BU and catch up on his school work. He says he plans to come back next season for his senior year and finish his degree before turning professional.
Greenway is one of several Olympic hockey players with ties to New England, including Chris Bourque, son of Bruins legend Ray Bourque, and team captain Brian Gionta, the NHL veteran and former Boston College star decided to remain a free agent this season making him eligible for the Olympic roster.
