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• O'Ree Mail (May 29, 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 Talks about Diversity
by NHL | June 18, 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.
Dear Willie O'Ree,
Hi. My name is Jessica. I play for the Pocono Lady Pirates and the West Side Spartans. Last year you came to one of my practices for the Pocono Pirates. I just want to know why people wouldn't allow blacks in the NHL?
Thanks,
Jessica
Hi Jessica:
I broke the color barrier in 1958 with the Boston Bruins. Sometimes it takes a long time for changes to be made. Now there are opportunities and 15 blacks in the NHL. I think these numbers will increase in the coming years.
Hope the Pocono Lady Pirates are doing well.
Willie
Dear Mr. O'Ree,
What do you think is harder - inline hockey or ice hockey? Because I am good at inline hockey and I have never played ice hockey and I want to know if I'll be good at it.
From Josh
Hi Josh:
My own opinion is that ice hockey is harder. However, if you are good at inline hockey, chances are that you can be good at ice hockey. Try it Josh, I think you will really like it.
All the best to you,
Willie
Hello Mr.O'Ree,
My name is Charlie and I'm a Canadian hockey player (10 years old). My question is that before the Olympics, back when hockey was pretty much all Canadian, we were recognized as the best hockey players in the world. Now the Russians and Americans are also contenders, and a large amount of NHL superstars (Jagr, Bure, etc.) are not Canadian. My question is - do you think Canadian hockey is shrinking?
Charlie Deacon
Hi Charlie:
Hockey is still Canada's sport. There are still a great amount of good hockey players coming from Canada. Remember there are 30 teams in the NHL at the present, being represented by more than seventeen countries. There are great hockey players coming from these areas, but I don't think it is shrinking in Canada.
Keep the faith,
Willie
Mr. O'Ree,
You came to Jack Adams Arena in Detroit where you sat next to me in the locker room. Is it better to wrap your laces around your ankles?
DMarkdragon
Hi DMarkdragon:
When I played, I wrapped my ankles. It gave my ankles more support. If it helps you, do it.
Good luck,
Willie
Hello Willie,
I am an inter-racial player here in Portland, OR. Hockey is a great game but I am one of two black players in Portland. My Dad said the NHL has a diversity task force. What is it and can it help us get some education (people say things they really should not) and encourage others to play this great game?
Thanks,
Carter
Hi Carter:
Be proud that you are one of two blacks playing in your area. Your dad is correct, the NHL has a Diversity Task Force. I am the director. You can get more information at http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/diversity/index.html and also via "The Hockey News."
But by all means, encourage others to play. It is a great game and lots of fun.
All the best to you and your friends.
Willie
Willie,
Did you ever play hockey with Rocket Richard?
Bert Hayes
Hi Bert:
In 1958, when I was with the Boston Bruins, I played against Rocket Richard who was then a member of the Canadiens.
Willie
Willie,
My son is 3 and a decent skater already. He is insane for hockey (knew every NHL team before he knew his alphabet). My question is, do you think it is better for young kids to just work on their skating in a learn-to-skate program, or just go straight to hockey and learn the skating and the game all at once?
Learn to skate programs are great for beginners. The more opportunity he has to skate, the better player he will be. A good age to begin playing hockey is 5.
All the best to you and your son.
Willie
Mr. O'Ree,
I am 12 and about to turn 13 in August and not quite on a team so I practice in the street in front of my yard and I think I am pretty good I think because I've gotten compliments from the lady across the street and door to door salesmen but I have looked at my playing and I can't get a good shot on the run. When I hit the puck I can't get it in but half the time I miss the puck altogether. Do you have any advice on getting a slapshot on the run?
Matt
Hi Matt:
My advice to you is work on a wrist or snap shot first. Timing is so important in the slapping the puck. Keeping your head down eyes on the puck and making contact. Practice slapping the puck from standing still. Remember keep your head down eyes on the puck, very important.
Good luck,
Willie
You can send Willie e-mail right here: nhlkids@nhl.com.
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