Hockey Hall of Famer and Sports Pioneer Willie O'Ree Joins Boston Pride Ownership
March 10, 2022 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Boston Pride News Release
(Boston, MA) - The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) today announced that the Boston Pride has named Bruins legend and Hockey Hall of Fame member Willie O'Ree to the organization's ownership group. O'Ree adds to the growing number of diverse hockey icons and community leaders to join the PHF, becoming a minority owner of the reigning Isobel Cup champions.
"This is a really exciting day for the Boston Pride and we are honored to welcome Willie, an iconic hockey pioneer, to our ownership group," said Miles Arnone, Chair and Principal Owner of the Boston Pride. "Willie is a true hockey trailblazer that has given so much of his life to the sport. His mission is reflected in our values as an organization and as a league that strives to grow the game for everyone."
O'Ree famously broke the NHL's color barrier on January 18, 1958, as a 22-year-old member of the Boston Bruins. His number 22 jersey was retired by the organization 64 years later. The Fredericton, New Brunswick native has served as the NHL's diversity ambassador since 1998 and has been instrumental in building and implementing the league's "Hockey is for Everyone" initiative. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2018, the 86-year-old O'Ree is also the only person ever to receive the Order of Canada, the highest civilian award given by the Government of Canada, and a U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, representing the highest civilian honor awarded by the U.S. Congress.
"It is a thrill for me to extend my involvement in the sport and community that are such special parts of my life," said O'Ree. "The growth of the women's game is so important, and I admire these world class athletes for being role models who are making a difference for younger generations. I have always received tremendous love and support in Boston. I'm proud to be a member of the Pride and look forward to cheering these women on as they compete for another championship."
New and diverse ownership groups are part of the evolution of the PHF that will see substantial growth in years to come, driven by the Board of Governors' commitment to investing $25 million over the next three years to directly enhance the player experience. Expansion to eight teams for the 2022-23 season along with a salary cap of $750,000 per team, full healthcare benefits and equity in the teams, facility upgrades, new equipment, and increased ice time is all part of the pledge to support professional PHF athletes.
The Pride is one of the Founding Four teams that stepped on PHF ice in 2015 and were crowned the first Isobel Cup champions in 2016. They also became the first team in PHF history to hoist the Isobel Cup a second time, capturing the 2021 title on home ice. Boston is currently in third place with a 10-5-1 record and will have the opportunity to compete for a third championship in the Isobel Cup Playoffs, March 25-28 in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from March 10, 2022
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