 |
|
• O'Ree Mail (May 8, 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™.
|
Willie Talks About Hockey's Reach
by NHL | May 22, 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.
Hi Willie,
What can the NHL do to make this game more popular for Black and Hispanic kids?
Thanks for your answer,
Anna Marie
Hello Anna Marie
More programs are being organized and clinics are being conducted in inner cities. TV has played a major part for exposing the game. More Black and Hispanic kids are getting into hockey now then ever before.
Hi Willie,
I think that Paul Kariya is a great player, but I don't think that he'll have a great hockey future if he stays with the Ducks. What do you think?
Alex
Hi Alex,
I think the question we should ask is Paul happy playing in Anaheim? I'm sure that he has talked with his agent regarding his position. Time will tell.
Hey Willie,
Is the game better now or was it better in 1950?
Craig
Hi Craig,
The game is definitely better now then it was in the 50's. Better rinks, better lighting, equipment, the game is faster, players are bigger and stronger due to the fact of training facilities being state of the art.
Dear Willie,
My son is a promising hockey player. As a single mother, I'm not sure what I should be doing to ensure he is getting the best training and opportunities. Any suggestions?
Sue
Hi Sue,
Is your son playing in an organized league? Contact his coach and he could possibly recommend a hockey school where your son could attend.
Hi Willie:
Me and my friend are crazy about hockey. We go over each others houses every time there's a game on!! Both of us want to know if you like street hockey better than ice hockey??
Sincerely,
Greg
Hi Greg,
I like ice hockey the best.
Dear Willie:
I got a book on you. So far I learned a lot but I have a question. Who is your favorite hockey team and player in the NHL?
My favorite team is the New Jersey Devils and my favorite player is Martin Brodeur.
From your biggest fan,
Ryan
Hey Ryan,
My favorite team in the NHL is the Boston Bruins. There are so many great players in the league now so I really don't have a favorite.
Dear Willie,
Hi my name is Wilfie and I am wondering what should a kid should do at age 12 to train if he wants to play in the NHL because me and many others in the world may wonder what it takes to be the best?
From,
Wilfie
Hi there Wilfie,
First-Stay in school and get an education. Play in an organized league. Work hard all the time. To be the best it takes confidence, practice, commitment. Set goals for yourself and work towards them and most of all believe in yourself.
You can send Willie e-mail right here: nhlkids@nhl.com.
| back to top
Copyright ©2001 National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved. NHL and the NHL Shield are
registered trademarks of the National Hockey League.
www.nhl.com is a product of NHL Interactive Cyber Enterprises (NHL ICE). All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL, NHL Enterprises, L.P. and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without prior written consent. © NHL Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.
Site Problems? Click Here! ¦ Privacy Policy
|
|
