Northside Sportsplex to be Named Willie O'Ree Place
Fredericton (October 11, 2007) - Fredericton City Council announced that the new northside sports & leisure complex will be officially named Willie O'Ree Place.
"We looked at several options and agreed that Willie O'Ree Place was the perfect name for this beautiful facility," said Mayor Brad Woodside. "We will be ordering the sign immediately so it will be in place when we hold our celebration with Willie O'Ree on January 16, 2008."
The new sign will be placed on the outside of the building, which houses two NHL-size ice surfaces, a number of large dressing rooms, offices for officials and event organizers, a walking track, a Celebration of Sport exhibit area, a community room, a YMCA wellness centre, and canteens operated by the Nashwaaksis Y's Men Club.
Plans are currently under way for a major celebration on January 16. Invitations will be going out next week for the gala event, which will cap off two days of celebration of the 50th anniversary of O'Ree's historic first game in the National Hockey League in January 1958 when he became the first black person to play in the league.
O'Ree, born and raised in Fredericton, retired after 21 seasons in professional hockey. He is currently the NHL's Director of Youth Development and ambassador for NHL diversity.
- 30 -
Media Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton, (506) 460-2227.
