National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman today released the following statement:
"This esteemed honor is befitting Willie O'Ree, a pioneer whose impact on hockey has been groundbreaking, profound and enduring. Since 1998, O'Ree has been an ambassador for positive social change using hockey as a platform to build character, teach life skills, and impart the values of hockey -- perseverance, teamwork, and dedication.
"A true pioneer and trailblazer, O'Ree can now add another achievement to his list of accolades: the first hockey player to receive the Congressional Gold Medal in its nearly 250-year history. Congratulations Willie, and well deserved."
The NHL would like to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Tim Scott, as well as Representatives Mike Quigley, Ayanna Pressley, Brian Higgins, Tom Emmer, and John Katko for their bipartisan support and combined effort to etch one of hockey's greatest ambassadors into the history books forever.
