Gala Naming Ceremony Set For Willie O'Ree Place January 16
Fredericton (January 11, 2008) - The naming ceremony for Willie O'Ree Place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16 will cap an unprecedented two-day Celebration of Hockey History and honour of one of the finest hockey players and gentlemen ever to call Fredericton home," Mayor Brad Woodside said today.
"Never let it be said that Fredericton does not honour its heroes," said Mayor Woodside. "I encourage the citizens of the greater Fredericton community to join us as we pay a fitting tribute to a man who exemplifies teamwork, perseverance and dedication and made our City proud."
The agenda for Wednesday's gala ceremony at the northside sports & leisure complex, 605 Cliffe Street, will feature tributes to O'Ree from the Boston Bruins, the NHL and Hockey Canada as well as Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson, Federal Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson, Premier Shawn Graham, Mayor Woodside and youths from the Fredericton area.
Bob Sweeney, who played six of his 10 NHL seasons in Boston will represent the Bruins along with David Turk the Bruins Director of Marketing. Sweeney currently serves as Director of Development for the Boston Bruins Foundation, a non-profit foundation whose mission is to assist charitable organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for children in the Boston community.
Ken Martin Jr. will represent the National Hockey League. Martin is the NHL's Director of Community & Diversity Programming. Founded in 1995, NHL Diversity provides support and unique programming to not-for-profit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering economically disadvantaged boys and girls of all ages opportunities to play hockey.
Scott Smith is Hockey Canada's Chief Operating Officer. He is well-known in New Brunswick Hockey circles for his role as Technical Director and Executive Director of the N.B. Amateur Hockey Association in the late '80s and early '90s.
The program will also feature video clips from hockey celebrities and other well-wishers, including Wayne Gretzky and Coaches Corner duo Ron MacLean and Don Cherry.
The timing of the naming ceremony falls almost 50 years to the day since Willie O'Ree was called up from the minors to join the Boston Bruins for a game against Montreal Canadiens.
"What makes the game special whether you are a hockey fan or not is the fact that it was first time a black man played a game in the National Hockey League," said Woodside. "He is the Jackie Robinson of the hockey world and he continues to this day promoting the sport to minorities and underprivileged children across North America."
While his NHL career was brief, O'Ree continued to play professional hockey for two decades in the minors despite the fact he was blinded in one eye by a puck in his youth. He currently serves as the NHL's Director of Youth Development and Ambassador for Diversity.
The public is invited to attend the naming ceremony. There is no admission fee but donations of non-perishable food items will be collected at the door for donation to the Fredericton Food Bank.
The New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame is also honouring Willie O'Ree this week. O'Ree has been an Honoured Member of the Hall since 1984. He will be guest of honour at a $100 a plate dinner Tuesday, January 15 at the Fredericton Inn. There will also be an invitation-only reception at Old Government House on Wednesday afternoon.
CBC Radio's Information Morning crew will broadcast live from Willie O'Ree Place from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on January 16. There will be a free family skating party and an opportunity to meet and skate a few laps with Willie O'Ree or sign a special guest book. The Y's Men's Club will be offering a continential breakfast by donation.
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Media Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton 506-460-2227.
