O'Ree inspiration to Simmonds as pioneer, hockey ambassador

Willie O'Ree made an indelible impression on Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds.

"If it wasn't for Mr. O'Ree, I wouldn't be in the League today," Simmonds said Tuesday after learning that O'Ree was selected for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builders category.
Joining O'Ree in the Hall of Fame Class of 2018 is Martin Brodeur, Martin St. Louis, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Jayna Heffords and Alexander Yakushev.
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O'Ree became the first black man to play in the NHL when he debuted with the Boston Bruins on Jan. 18, 1958.
Simmonds, 29, believes you can draw a straight line from O'Ree to players like himself. He made his NHL debut Oct. 11, 2008, with the Los Angeles Kings, was traded to Flyers on June 23, 2011 and has emerged as one of the top power forwards in the NHL. His 86 power-play goals since the 2011-12 season are second in the NHL to Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (131).
Simmonds said his parents made learning about O'Ree and his story a major part of his introduction to hockey growing up in Toronto. Now as a 10-season NHL veteran, he's feels fortunate to call O'Ree a friend and a mentor.
"I've had so many interactions with Mr. O'Ree and continue to," he said. "For me it's a joy watching him get into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He's done so much for the sport, whether it be helping kids, black kids, kids of every ethnicity, realize their dreams. It's a great thing for our game."

O'Ree, 82, reached the NHL during the Original Six era, and did it with sight in one eye because of an injury sustained during his junior hockey days, playing 57 games with the Bruins in 1957-58 and 1960-61.
As impressive as that is, what earned O'Ree a spot in the Hall of Fame is what he has done during the past 20 years as NHL Diversity Ambassador and Director of Youth Development. Most of that work is with young boys and girls, many of whom come from underprivileged areas.
"Willie travels around [North America] all year long, every year," Simmonds said. "He's such a selfless person. He feels at home doing that. He's given his life to the NHL. For the Hockey Hall of Fame to recognize the job that he's done, it's only right.
"When you see him he's always all smiles. You can tell the love he has for the game, otherwise he wouldn't be doing that. It's not just black kids, it's every single child that has a passion for this game. You can definitely learn something from Willie. He's got the biggest smile on his face every single time I see him. You can tell this is what he wants to do and he's going to continue to do it."