Willie
The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player
$34.49
- Paperback
256 pages
- Release Date
18 October 2021
Summary
An inspiring memoir that shows that anyone can achieve their dreams if they are willing to fight for them.
On January 18, 1958, Willie O’Ree was finally called up to the NHL after years of toiling in the minors, joining the Boston Bruins. And when he stepped out onto the ice against the Montreal Canadiens, not only did he fulfill the childhood dream he shared with so many other Canadian kids, he did something that had never been done before: He broke hockey’s colour b…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780735239760 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0735239762 |
| Author: | Willie O'Ree, Michael McKinley, Jarome Iginla |
| Publisher: | Random House Canada |
| Imprint: | Random House Canada |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 256 |
| Release Date: | 18 October 2021 |
| Weight: | 238g |
| Dimensions: | 17mm x 132mm x 203mm |
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Critics Review
Nominated for the 2021 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
Praise for Willie:
“For every single kid who was ever told to ‘stick to basketball,’ Willie was like the first man on the moon. He wasn’t just a hockey player. He was an astronaut.”
—Wayne Simmonds, player, Buffalo Sabres
“Now, more than ever, is the right time for Willie O’Ree to tell his story in full. Having played in the league in the footsteps of guys like Tony McKegney, Val James, Bill Riley, and Mike Marson, I know that if you don’t have someone who leads the way, maybe you don’t look in that direction. Kids need to know that they can do anything, and no one shows that better than Willie.”
—Grant Fuhr, five-time Stanley Cup winner and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
“Willie O’Ree stood for something more than just being a black hockey player who broke the colour barrier. He represents that no matter what colour you are, what race, or what gender, you could do anything if you believe in yourself. Willie raised the glass ceiling for the entire sport and the ripple effect of his accomplishments are still felt today.”
—PK Subban, Norris Trophy winner, NHL All-Star, and philanthropist
“[Willie] is a fascinating read that sheds light on the long and difficult journey that led to O’Ree’s short but impactful run in the world’s best hockey.”
—Toronto Star
“Engaging.”
—TSN
Willie O'Ree
In 2005, Willie O’Ree received the Order of New Brunswick, the highest honour of the Province of New Brunswick. In 2008, O’Ree was named to the Order of Canada, and the Fredericton, New Brunswick City Council named their new hockey arena after him in honour of his accomplishments. In 2018, the NHL established the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in his honour. The award recognizes those who, like O’Ree, have used hockey to “build character, teach life skills and foster positive values.” In November 2018, O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He remains a pubic figure with an extensive network across North America.
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