Willie O’Ree reflects on the racism he encountered when he became the first Black player to compete in the NHL in 1958, discusses how he was able to play professional hockey for 21 years while legally blind in one eye, and explains why he encourages kids of color to get on the ice. #DailyShow
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ReplyTrevor, you are the best I’ve ever seen
ReplyWillie is a legend and is still as sharp as a button at 86
ReplyForget about what you can’t see and concentrate on what you can see. That a big quote for me
ReplyHey look. We share a name. I also live in San Diego, and I used to get his fan male mistakenly. I only met him once though. Great guy!
ReplyHow did he get a name like O’Ree?
ReplyHe really turned a blind eye to all the negativity
ReplyWhen you going on Louder with Crowder, Trevor? The offer has been extended as you requested. Dont chicken out!
ReplyGreat American Icon!! We salute you sir!!
ReplyWow empowering, inspiring, thanks for this. We should fight for what we intuitively know is our life purpose and don’t late any sort of discouragement stand in our way.
ReplyI had a great lunch hour spent with Willie O’Ree when I worked at TD Garden.
I skipped lunch to hang out with him, we walked around North Station and talked about hockey and what it was like for him when he started. He told me this same story about hiding his blindness. He’s just a cool, friendly dude who loves to just hang out and talk. Easily one of the coolest days I had when I worked there. And I had plenty of awesome moments. Met and talked with Johnny Bucyk, Can Neely, Dennis Seidenberg, Brad Marchand, Amir Johnson, Zdeno Chara at various points in my year there.
Pretty sure my one on one chat with Willie was probably the best, definitely the longest conversation. I wish I got a pic, but when you work at the garden, you’re strictly prohibited from asking for selfies with players, execs or guests.
When I had to go back to work, he said “Thanks for the conversation.” I said “Thank you, it’s been great. Thanks for hanging out.” We shook hands and he went back to the front office to do whatever it was he came to do. Guy was interesting, humble, friendly and so quick to want to talk to everyone around.
Unrelated, worst experience meeting a pro was being ignored by Sidney Crosby lol. “Hey Crosby, what’s up?” I got side eye and he just kept walking lol.
ReplyI remember Willie from his playing days in the Western Hockey League with the San Diego Gulls against my Seattle Totems. Great player. Enjoyed watching him.
ReplyThank you for your personal sacrifice in the game.
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