EP.45 - Willie O'Ree - Hockey Pioneer, Ambassador, and Gentleman - a podcast by Jason Podollan

Willie O'Ree is a legend. 

Mr. O'Ree is a legend that until all too recently I wasn't aware of.

I regret having to admit that. My ignorance to one of the games greatest stories is not something I am proud of, but I am grateful for knowing it now. And I am also grateful to have spent an hour with this incredible human being.

Willie O'Ree broke the NHL color barrier in 1958, when he suited up with the Boston Bruins for a weekend set against the Montreal Canadians. There were only 6 teams in the league at that point. Only 120 players in the world got to call themselves NHL'ers each season - Willie O'Ree was one of them - he was an NHL'er.

What captivated me most about this discussion was Willie's personality. He was engaging, contemplative, and sharp, and he's 85 years young. So many experiences are wrapped up those 85 years and I did my best to try and capture some lessons while we honored the past.

The history of the game is something we should take more pride in as a hockey culture. Understanding those who came before us, their accomplishments and their struggles, can only strengthen our love affair with the sport.

O'Ree had a such a passion for hockey that he overcome great odds and unimaginable adversity to live out his dream and wear an NHL jersey. 21 years of professional hockey to his credit, and he did it all without the use of his right eye! The story gets even better too, but I'll let you hear it from Willie himself.

Sport is about people, and Willie O'Ree is a person whose story we should all know. We should all have conversations with our players and our children about Willie. 

Enjoy my conversation with one of the game's greatest gentleman, Mr. Willie O'Ree.

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