SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

First Black Player in NHL Will Share Story at Wolfchase Mall

Published on October 3, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—Willie O'Ree, former NHL Boston Bruins player and the "Jackie Robinson of hockey" will speak at Wolfchase Mall on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the first floor near the food court area.

O'Ree's visit to Memphis includes many other stops and appearances around town and is part of the Memphis RiverKings' initiative to educate the Mid-South about the game of hockey.

O'Ree, the first black hockey player to play in the NHL, currently serves as the Director of Youth Development for the NHL/U.S.A. Hockey Diversity Task Force. The program honors O'Ree's career and introduces children of diverse backgrounds to hockey.

O'Ree, born on Canada's New Brunswick coast, was an outstanding athlete as a child and played hockey, rugby, soccer, track, basketball and baseball. At age 13, he decided he was going to be a professional hockey player. The journey wouldn't be easy: in addition to breaking race barriers in a sport dominated by white players, O'Ree had to overcome a tough physical handicap. When he was 21 years old, a wild puck hit him in his right eye, causing him to go legally blind.

But that didn't stop Willie. He continued his fast climb in the hockey world and made his first National Hockey League (NHL) appearance with the Boston Bruins Jan. 18, 1958.

"The Bruins didn't know for a good while that I had no sight in that eye," O'Ree said. "The team didn't take eye exams back then. They were more concerned with your physical condition. I kept myself in good shape, so it wasn't a problem."

O'Ree's career spanned 21 seasons. He was a tremendous skater and a fan favorite because of his speed up and down the ice. In 1996, he was asked by the NHL to assist with an All-Star Game designed to commemorate growing diversity in the sport.

The project blossomed into a yearly event. The Willie O'Ree All-Star Game allows boys and girls of diverse backgrounds ages 10 to 12 from each of the NHL Diversity programs across North America to interact with NHL players, attend an NHL game, and participate in an all-star game of their own.

"It gives them a chance to interact with other boys and girls from all different backgrounds," O'Ree said. "Some of them have never been out of their state or on a plane. They have to keep a diary and their graded on it at the end of the trip. It's very special. It's a weekend they'll never forget."

The All-Star Game weekend is an all-expense paid weekend which includes a game draft, a game jersey, a tour of the host city and hosting arena, an autograph session with NHL players, and a chance to meet some of the great hockey veterans. O'Ree travels 15 days a month, conducting programs, clinics, public speaking and fundraisers. O'Ree, 65, spends the rest of his time at his residence in San Diego, California, with his wife and daughter.

Willie O'Ree's visit to the Mid-South is part of the RiverKings' countdown to the 2003-04 season, which will commence on October 17 at Oklahoma City. For information on O'Ree's itinerary, or for ticket information to RiverKings games, call the RiverKings office at 662-342-1755 or visit the Web at www.riverkings.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



SPHL Stories from October 3, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central