This was just the latest tribute paid to the native of Fredericton, New Brunswick. On Jan. 17, O'Ree was honored in Boston when he dropped a ceremonial face-off for a Bruins-Montreal Canadiens game. The following day, Willie O'Ree Day as declared by Mayor Marty Walsh, included the dedication of a new street-hockey rink bearing his name in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood.
"It's just been absolutely fantastic," O'Ree said Sunday of the warm spotlight that finds him wherever he goes. "When I was in Boston and had my family there, the honor they gave me was just awesome. It's something I'll remember for all the years that I plan to live."
O'Ree, for 20 years the NHL's Diversity Ambassador for its Hockey is for Everyone initiative, said he draws his seemingly limitless energy from those to whom he speaks, sharing his message of inclusion, tolerance and a focus on setting objectives and working resolutely toward them.
"I tell them to set goals for yourself, feel good about yourself, like yourself and work hard," he said. "There's no substitute for hard work. You only get out of something what you put into it. If you choose a sport, then work hard at it and stay focused at what you want to do.
"The boys and girls give me an extra energy and courage that I need. I've been doing this for the NHL for 20 years and it's so nice to able to get on the ice or speak at a school or a boys and girls club and just let them know that they're special."
