Great questions are sent in from all over the world to Willie

by NHL | Jan. 14, 2002

Do you have a question about hockey? About skills? About the game? Meet our expert: Willie O'Ree! You can send Willie e-mail right here: nhlkids@nhl.com.

Hey Willie,
I was wondering, why don't they take out the red line (center line) to speed up the game a little bit? I'm a big hockey fan, even for a girl, I love hockey, but I really never understood why they have a red line. Why do they have a red line?
Marcie

Hi, Marcie:
The red line was introduced for the 1943-44 season in order to speed the game by reducing the number of offsides calls. It has been an integral part of the game ever since, and even defines what is known as hockey's "modern era." It is also a great help for orienting television viewers as to where on the rink the puck is at a particular moment.

Dear Willie,
1. Who do you think is a better player Pavel Bure or Jaroimr Jagr?
2. Who is a better player Jerome Iginla or Ryan Smyth?
3. Who will get the starting roll at the Olympics? I think it should be Curtis Joseph.
Thank you for your time
Sincerely,
Frink Jr 5

Hi, Frink:
1. Impossible to say.
2. See number 1
3. All of the goalies are great ones, but you can't go wrong with Curtis Joseph. Whoever is hottest at the time will probably get the call.

Hey Willie,
Do you think it's a surprise to not see Anson Carter's(Edmonton Oilers)name on team Canada's 2002 roster?
Kyle
15
Medicine Hat, Alberta

Hi, Kyle:
Not really. When you get to this level of competition (meaning the Olympics), it is inevitable that some awfully good players are not going to be selected. This is one of those cases, I'm sure.

Hi Willie,
My son David is 13 years old and has been playing hockey for 7 years. He one day hopes to play for the NHL. I know this will never happen, but it is my son's dream. My son is legally blind but has managed to fool his teammates and coaches throughout the years reguarding his sight. He wants to play hockey with a passion so of course I have never mentioned his blindness to any of the coaches that have coached him.

I have no idea how my son manages to play hockey. He has no fear of getting hurt. I think he deserves a medal for braveness and courage. Have you ever heard of hockey player who is legally blind? Please let me know. Sherry

Hi, Sherry:
Thank you for sharing David's inspirational story - he is certainly brave and courageous. To answer your question, there have been instances of "legally blind" people playing minor league hockey. However, if you are legally blind the NHL prohibits you from playing at that level for safety reasons. Please give David a pat on the back for us.

Hey Willie!
Mike Liute? Where is he now?
Eric
St. Paul Park, MN

Hi, Eric:
That's a good one. I do not know where Mike Liut is, but I'm checking - stay tuned!

Hey Willie:
My name is Travis and I play peewee A hockey. I have the hunger 4 the game and I wanna go all the way but next year is hitting and I'm not a really big guy do u have any tips 4 me 4 hockey? Thanx.

Hi, Travis:
Size helps in hockey, of course, but there have been many, many smaller-sized players who have starred at the NHL level. My advice is to keep practicing hard, and ALWAYS try your best.

Hi Willie,
Just was wondering if you knew a lot about the Ice Hockey Superleague in Britain. Because I live in Ayr in Scotland and we have a good ice hockey team. Anyway, although our league is not as good as the NHL it is still fast and furious and good fun. A lot of the players who play in our league played in the NHL at one time or the other. For instance: Joquim Gage (our goalie), Mike Bales (Belfast goalie), Ed Courtnay (our sniper) to name a few. So thanks for making my ice hockey games so fun to watch.

Hi:
Although I have never seen a hockey game in Great Britain, I understand that the league over there is thriving and very exciting to watch. No matter where it is played, hockey has always been an exciting game. Keep enjoying it, my friend.

Dear Willie,
Will you tell me how not to make my roller hockey skates or ice hockey skates bend in?
Nicolas Hubbard

Hi, Nicholas:
I am afraid I don't know the answer to that one. Ice skates, over time, will always conform themselves to the shape of the foot, so I don't really know that there is anything you can do for your problem.

Hey Willie,
My name is Corey and I'm from New Brunswick, Canada, and I'm a defenceman for pee-wee AAA and I would like to know if it's better to take the man along the board or in the center on 1 on 1.
Thanx

Hi, Corey:
That strictly depends on the situation. It's your call to make, and as a general rule, you should pick the situation that makes you the most comfortable.