NHL Legend to Visit ESYHF Sites in Philadelphia

ESYHF is partnering with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation to bring the first black hockey player in National Hockey League history, Willie O’Ree, to Philadelphia for a special morning of education and motivation. Mr. O’Ree will speak to a number of ESYHF players about his life experiences as a professional hockey player, as well as address any questions the students may have.

Philadelphia City Councilwoman Janie Blackwell will attend the session to formally welcome O’Ree to the Skatehouse and Philadelphia’s new Commissioner of Recreation Susan Slawson will also be in attendance.

O’Ree, the NHL’s Director of Youth Development and ambassador for NHL Diversity, broke the NHL’s color barrier on January 18, 1958 with the Boston Bruins. He played 45 games with the Bruins from 1958-61, registering four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He played pro hockey for 21 seasons, most of those with the Los Angeles Blades and San Diego Gulls of the Western Hockey League. The NHL is celebrating the 50th anniversary of O’Ree breaking the color barrier in hockey.

Later on in the evening on Thursday, Mr. O’Ree will be lacing his skates up at the Polonia Bank Flyers Skate Zone in Northeast Philadelphia to help coach an ESYHF on-ice practice with a select group of players. Following practice, the NHL legend will speak to the players and make himself available for pictures and autographs.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008