City Celebrates Hockey History at Willie O'Ree Place
January 16 2008 - Willie O'Ree Place was officially named here today amid the skirl of bagpipes, accolades from friends old and new, and tributes from politicians and the world of hockey.
"I am thrilled to be honoured by my hometown and to see my name on this beautiful new sports complex," said O'Ree. "Thank you Fredericton."
O'Ree was joined on-stage by Mayor Brad Woodside and guest speakers for the event, including The Honourable Herménégilde Chiasson, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick; federal Veteran's Affairs Minister Greg Thompson; New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham; Ken Martin Jr., the NHL's Vice-President of Community & Diversity Programming; Scott Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Hockey Canada and Bob Sweeney, who played six of his 10 NHL seasons with the Boston Bruins, the team that O'Ree joined on January 18, 1958 - the day he broke the NHL's colour barrier.
"This new complex represents everything Willie O'Ree stands for," said Lt.-Gov. Chiasson. "Dedication, fair play, courage, spirit, youthful determination, leadership and a love of the game. We are lucky that the lives of so many will be changed, because of the continuing accomplishments of Willie O'Ree."
"The naming of this sports complex Willie O'Ree Place will inspire future generations of young New Brunswickers to realize their own dreams," said Minister Thompson. "Willie O'Ree is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we believe in ourselves."
"Naming Fredericton's state-of-the art northside facility after Fredericton's own Willie O'Ree is so appropriate," said Premier Graham. "Willie O'Ree is one of Fredericton and New Brunswick's finest ambassadors and a positive role model for our youth."
On behalf of Hockey Canada, I want to say congratulations to Willie O'Ree and to the City of Fredericton for taking the initiative," said Smith. "This recognition is so well deserved."
"Willie has helped take the game of hockey to thousands of underprivileged children and teach these children that anything is possible if you work hard, believe in yourself and follow your dreams," said Martin. "We are very proud of his work on behalf of the NHL and delighted to see his hometown honour him in this way."
Mayor Woodside, who chaired the organizing committee for the event, introduced O'Ree to the large audience as "a man who exemplifies teamwork, perseverance and dedication and has made our City proud."
"City Council's decision to name this beautiful new complex Willie O'Ree Place is our way of saying thank-you to Willie and how much we admire him for his determination and accomplishments and how much we respect him for the work he does on behalf of the NHL to bring our national sport to disadvantaged children everywhere," said Woodside. "He is a role model for our young people and a great source of pride for all Fredericton residents and I am very pleased to officially name this building Willie O'Ree Place."
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Media Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2227.
