|
|
Article: For the love of the game: first black NHL player Willie O'Ree sees more diversity in hockey's future.(Power Play)(National Hockey League )(Interview)
- Article from:
- Parks & Recreation
- Article date:
- January 1, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 National Recreation and Park Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Canadian-born Willie O'Ree spent 21 years as a professional hockey player, making his debut with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League, and then finishing up his career on the West Coast with the Los Angeles Blades and the San Diego Gulls of the Western Hockey League. O'Ree's presence as the only black player in hockey had more to do with his speed and ability to handle the puck than his color. Nonetheless, it was not until 1974, when the second black player, then Washington Capital Mike Marson, emerged onto the ice. Since retiring at 45 from ice hockey, O'Ree spends his days as the Director of Youth Development for NHL's diversity program, appearing at youth ...