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• O'Ree Mail (April 3, 2002)
Although he played only 45 games over parts of two seasons with the Boston Bruins, William (Willie) O'Ree is remembered as the first black player in the history of the National Hockey League.
A 5'10", 180-pound left wing, O'Ree played two games for the Bruins in 1957-58 and 43 more in 1960-61. He was known for his exceptional speed and his checking ability. He scored only four goals in his brief NHL career, but he remembers the first one as if it were yesterday.
"It came against Montreal on New Year's Night, 1961," O'Ree said. "Charlie Hodge was the goalie. You don't forget your first NHL goal. We won, 3-2."
Even though he didn't play regularly in the NHL, Willie did have an extraordinarily long professional career - 21 seasons, mostly in the old Western League with the Los Angeles Blades and the San Diego Gulls, despite losing his right eye in a junior hockey game when he was 21.
During his career, he played for some of the most famous names in hockey. His coaches included Phil Watson and Punch Imlach in Quebec City, Cal Gardner in Kingston, and Milt Schmidt in Boston. Imlach, Stewart and Schmidt are all in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on Canada's Atlantic coast, O'Ree was an outstanding athlete as a youngster, excelling at hockey, rugby, soccer, basketball, track and baseball. A shortstop, he was invited to training camp with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956.
Now 65 years of age, Willie lives in La Mesa, CA and works as the Director of Youth Development for the NHL® Diversity Task Force™.
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Willie answers trivia questions
by NHL | May 8, 2002
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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.
Mr. O'Ree,
Who makes the decision to make a player a healthy scratch? Is it the head coach or the general manager?
Thanks,
Jackie
Hi, Jackie:
It's generally the coach's decision, but there are times when the general manager will consult also.
Dear Mr. O'Ree,
Who was the last player to score 5 goals in a game?
Ryan B.
Hi, Ryan:
I believe it was Sergei Fedorov of the Detroit Red Wings in 1996.
Dear Mr. O' Ree,
Why does the NHL have an 'in the crease rule' because the goalie should get the gate if he hits or does anything wrong when you are in the crease?The players that get hurt should be able to sit out for a couple of games to just rest up and when they are all better they can start to play hockey again?
Lawrence DesRoches
Hi, Lawrence:
The "in the crease" rule is basically to protect the goaltenders. However, the referees have a good amount of latitude in enforcing it, meaning a penalty is normally not assessed if the violation was minor and no real inteference occured.
Dear Willie,
I'm a huge Devils fan and wanted to know if you thought their trade for Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner for Jason Arnott and Randy McKay was a good one. Thanks.
Adam Kelsey
Hi, Adam:
Yes, I thought the trade was actually a good one for both teams' needs.
Dear Willie:
I have to do a project for school on what I want to be when I grow up. I
want to be a hockey player, but my teacher says we have to have a "fall
back" career. So my 2nd choice is to be a hockey announcer -- play by play.
Where can I find out more information about becoming an announcer like what
kind of school I need to go to and how much they make?
Thanks!
Dan M.
Yardley, PA
Hi, Dan:
I recommend you do some research on what colleges have outstanding communications programs. There are so many around the country. You will have a lot to choose from. If hockey is your favorite sport then start by looking into communication programs in colleges known for their excellent, Division 1 hockey programs: Boston U, Cornell U, U of New Hampshire, U of Maine, Michigan State, U of Denver to name just a few.
Hello Mr O'Ree,
How's it going? I'm not bad. I've been in hockey for 6 years and I've climbed the ladder dramatically. I'm now playing defense and my dad considers me a defensive Defenseman and I was wondering who has a better chance - a defensive defense or a offensive defense for the NHL?
Your Fan
Christopher Jones #42
(age 13)
Hi, Christopher:
It makes no difference. Just play the way you are most comfortable and follow the advice of your coaches. You'll be fine.
HI WILLIE!
My brohter-in-law says that if a player has complete control of the puck that player could back into the offensive zone without being offsides. I disagree - if the player did that he would put himself offsides because doesn't the puck have to go into the offensive zone first? Who's right?
Thanks,
Joe
Hi, Joe:
You are right. In the situation you describe, the player would be offside. Try not to rub it in to your brother-in-law too badly!
You can send Willie e-mail right here: nhlkids@nhl.com.
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