Facing criticism for the color of his skin, as well as an injury that left him blind in one eye, O'Ree's message to the local students was one of setting goals and working hard, both in sports and in life.
"You need to set goals for yourself, and you need to believe in yourself," O'Ree said. "Just forget about what you can't see and concentrate on what you can see."
Corona Ranch fifth grader Evan Pena was part of the school's street hockey team last year, playing in net for the Rockets as their goaltender. He appreciated hearing from a hockey trailblazer and took to heart O'Ree's message of persistence and education.
"I thought it was really cool," Pena said. "I learned to stay in school and set goals for yourself. And if you do what you love, you can accomplish those goals."
As the liaison between Corona Ranch and the Ducks S.C.O.R.E. Program, fourth grade teacher Michelle Rhay was thrilled for her students to hear O'Ree's inspirational story.
"The assembly was amazing," Rhay said. "I was really excited when I saw our school could have someone here who is a pioneer in hockey. I thought it would be a great person for our kids to meet."
With the opening of a new street hockey rink on the Corona Ranch campus earlier this year, Rhay, who also coaches the school's street hockey team, is grateful for the support the Ducks provide through their S.C.O.R.E. Program initiatives.
"The Ducks do so much for us," Rhay said. "They support us tremendously, and the kids love it."
O'Ree had a special guest in the audience during his presentation at Corona Ranch, a former teammate from his days with the Los Angeles Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL), goaltender Dennis Roy. [pictured below]
