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• O'Ree Mail (May 22, 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: Alternate Captain or Assistant Captain?
by NHL | May 29, 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.
Hey Willie,
My name is Josh and I'm 11 years old. I was watching Hockey Night In Canada with my dad and my uncle when the trivia question came up. It was "What does the "A" on a hockey jersey stand for - Alternate Captain or Assistant Captain?" My dad says Alternate, my uncle says Assistant, Who's right? Thanks!!!!
Josh
Hi Josh:
Officially, it's Alternate, but it really doesn't matter in this context at least, it conveys the same thing.
Hi Willie,
What is the record for the most goals scored by both teams in a NHL game?
Thanks,
Pat
Hi Pat:
The record is 21 goals in one game. Montreal Canadians 14, Toronto St. Pats 7-January 10, 1920 and Edmonton Oilers 12, Chicago Blackhawks 9-December 11, 1985.
Hey Willie,
What is plus minus?
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence:
If you are on the ice for an even-strength goal, you receive a "plus." If you are on the ice for an even strength goal against, you receive a "minus." The difference between the two figures after a week or month or a season is your "plus-minus" rating, plus eight, minus six, whatever
Hey Willie,
I wanted to know if you throw your stick along the ice at
someone is it an automatic penalty shot?
Sincerly,
Isaac Smith
Hi Isaac:
Yes but only if the player is attacking the goal and has a clear shot at the net.
Hi Willie,
The Lady Byng Trophy is awarded for sportsmanship. Who is Lady Byng?
GOALKING91
Hi GOALKING91:
Lady Byng was the wife of Canada's Governor General in 1925. She presented the National Hockey League with a trophy to define sportsmanship that year.
Hey Willie,
I'm A 2nd year Pee Wee because of the new year change stuff. But anyway I'm gonna cut right to the chase. My brother and I and some friends like to play street hockey. But my brother and I are the only ones that play competitive hockey at Northern Express travel. And our net is very VERY small. So could you tell me what a regulation sized net is?
Thanks,
Hockeykid77z
Hi Hockeykid77z:
Sure, a regulation hockey net is four feet in height and six feet in length.
Hey how u doin Willie?
I was just wonderin what all the parts of a hockey rink are. I know goals (of course), the blue lines, the goalie creases, both penalty boxes, both team benches and stands. What am I forgeting? Thank you Mr. O'Ree.
Sincerely,
Zach
Hi Zach:
I'm not sure I understand your question, but you must include the ice surface, the boards and the protective glass I would think
You can send Willie e-mail right here: nhlkids@nhl.com.
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