O'Ree To Help Coach In Victoria; Playoff Spot Can Be Clinched Tonight

March 15, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


VICTORIA, British Columbia - The San Diego Gulls will get a little coaching help from one of their old friends for their three-game series in Victoria. Gulls legend and San Diego icon Willie O'Ree made the trip with the team and will assist Jamie Black behind the bench. The Gulls can officially clinch a playoff spot with a win Wednesday or a Stockton loss in Idaho.

O'Ree was invited to help coach because assistant coach B.J. MacPherson had to stay back in San Diego for personal reasons. O'Ree, who lives in San Diego and frequently attends Gulls games, played with the old Western Hockey League Gulls from 1967 to 1974 and the Pacific Hockey League's San Diego Hawks in 1978-99.

Nationally, O'Ree is more known for breaking the color barrier in the NHL. On Jan. 18, 1958 he suited up for the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first-ever African American to play in the NHL.

Even though his playing career ended in 1979, O'Ree has continued to be a major part of hockey. Every year he hosts the annual "Willie O'Ree All-Star Game," which allows youngsters from NHL/USA Diversity Task Force hockey programs to compete against each other as well as meet NHL stars and attend an NHL game. The NHL/USA Diversity Task Force sponsors youth hockey programs nationwide, contributing funds, equipment, coaching, administrative support and memorabilia for fundraisers.

"This is a great opportunity to expose our San Diego hockey icon to the people of Victoria," Gulls Chief Operating Officer Tera Black said. "Willie has done a tremendous amount for the Gulls and city of San Diego throughout the years and we're very excited to have him travel with the current club and help coach us during our playoff drive."

San Diego's playoff push can be clinched if one of the following three things occur Wednesday:

1) A Gulls win in Victoria will give them 63 points. The most points the Stockton Thunder can earn (entering Wednesday) is also 63, but San Diego holds the tie-breaker with more overall wins.
2) A Stockton loss in Idaho, no matter what the Gulls do in Victoria. That will mean the most points Stockton could attain is 61. San Diego enters Wednesday already with 61 points and holds the tie-breaker with more overall wins.
3) A Gulls overtime/shootout loss and a Stockton overtime/shootout loss (both clubs earning one point). That will give San Diego 62 points and will mean the most points Stockton could attain is 62.

The Gulls and Salmon Kings meet Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with all contests beginning at 7 p.m. All games can be heard on KLSD 1360AM and www.sandiegogulls.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play. Most games can also be viewed on the Gulls' web site, courtesy of B2 Networks. Click the B2 Networks (Watch the Game Live) link on the home page for a list of the upcoming viewable games. To view pictures from this season, visit www.zerodogentertainment.com.



ECHL Stories from March 15, 2006


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