60th anniversary of Willie O’Ree’s groundbreaking NHL debut
Posted Jan 18, 2018 12:33 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Thursday marks the 60th anniversary of hockey pioneer Willie O’Ree breaking the NHL’s colour barrier.
O’Ree, who hails from Fredericton, New Brunswick, made his debut in 1958 during a 3-0 Boston Bruins victory against the Canadiens at the Forum in Montreal.
In an interview with Rob Kerr from Sportsnet 960 The Fan, O’Ree said he came from simple beginnings.
“It was a lot of fun just being on the ice,” he explained. “Not only skating on the rink in my backyard, but there were ponds, lakes, creeks and rivers. I used to skate to school!”
When he made his debut at 22, he had no idea what kind of impact he was making.
“I wasn’t aware until the next day when I read it in the paper,” he said. “I was just so excited about being called up and playing against the Montreal Canadiens, who at that time were winning the Stanley Cup over and over again.”
O’Ree, now 82, spends much of his time taking part in speaking engagements and making sure the younger generation knows they can truly make a difference.
“I teach them about having respect for other people,” he said. “I can relate to these boys and girls and let them know ‘be all you can be’ and feel good about yourself.”
