Group seeks O'Ree, Grant 'arenas'
Rinks | Council asked to consider names for two new sports complexes
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com
Published Tuesday August 21st, 2007
Appeared on page A1
A group of citizens wants Fredericton's northside sports complex named for the local hockey player who broke the colour barrier.
Willie O'Ree, 71, was to hockey what Jackie Robinson was to baseball.
O'Ree was called up by the Boston Bruins on Jan. 18, 1958, to play his first NHL game against the Canadiens in Montreal -- the first black athlete to play in the NHL.
Fredericton lawyer David Hashey said Jan. 18, 2008, will mark the 50th anniversary of that momentous game and on Monday night, he and a delegation of citizens, asked city councillors to name the northside arena in O'Ree's honour.
The group also asked to come back to city councillors in two weeks with a second proposal, to name the southside sports complex -- currently in design -- after Danny Grant.
Grant, another native son, played NHL hockey for Montreal, Minnesota, Detroit and Los Angeles.
Grant won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year and scored 50 goals in his 1974-1975 season during his stint with Detroit.
Grant ended his NHL career with 263 goals, 535 points and played in three all-star games.
Grant was later head coach at the University of New Brunswick and assistant coach at St. Thomas University.
Both men are worthy of naming honours, Hashey said.
In O'Ree's case, he was one of 13 children.
His father Harry O'Ree supported the family by working in the city's engineering department.
He lost the sight in his right eye at the age of 20 when he was hit in the face by a puck at a game in Guelph, Ont.
But O'Ree kept his injury a secret, turning pro in the 1956-57 season with the Quebec Aces of the Quebec Senior Hockey League under legendary coach Punch Imlach.
"We can't stress enough the obstacles he overcame to become the first black to play in the NHL," Hashey told council Monday night.
"We're hoping that you would get on side with us and see that the new complex is named after Willie O'Ree. That's what we're requesting tonight."
O'Ree works with the NHL as director of its hockey diversity task force, helping disadvantaged youth of all backgrounds.
David Sansom said honouring Grant also has the support of his group.
"Danny Grant, without question, is one of the most celebrated professional hockey players this city has ever produced," Sansom said.
"Danny's NHL statistics are legendary and his accomplishments many."
Most of all, Sansom said Grant has given back to his community by coaching at both the minor and
senior levels and through his commitment to sport fundraising.
The citizens group is hoping for a quick decision from city council because it wants to market the 50th anniversary of O'Ree's achievement as a milestone.
Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said it would be premature to
respond to the group's request since it has asked to return to council within two weeks with a more detailed presentation.
Woodside said the city has been investigating the possibility of selling naming rights to its arenas.
"This has been something that has been talked about for quite some time," Woodside said.
"I can tell you that the City of Fredericton certainly is and has been interested in corporate sponsorship to reduce any costs to the taxpayers.
"That being said, it does not mean it couldn't be the Willie O'Ree complex,'' said the mayor.
Woodside said he has asked city staff to prepare a report for council to review how the marketing of corporate naming rights has been
going and whether there is a possibility of sponsorships that would reduce the financial cost on taxpayers.
Construction of the two new hockey arenas in Fredericton and repairs to the Lady Beaverbrook Rink are expected to be close to the $40-million mark when all the building dust settles.