“We were tough and there was a lot of fighting, but hockey was played that way,” he explained. And the fans liked it, so we had to keep them happy. The fans in Montreal had They respected us every time we jumped on the ice. I looked at them and said to myself, “You can give me everything you want, i am going to thank you this summer by spending your money.”
“The Bruins celebration was amazing. I enjoyed seeing a lot of the players I used to play with again, and I was around a lot of them. We are happy to see that they are doing well. »
O’Ree, who broke the color barrier in hockey with the Bruins in Montreal on January 18, 1958, was delighted that the Bruins’ opponents were the Canadiens for the centennial game.
“It would be great for me to see the Bruins beat the Canadians,” he said. When I scored my first goal in the NHL, it was against the Montreal Canadiens here at the Boston Garden on January 1, 1961. Those two minutes will stay with me.
“When I went to their training camp in 1958, I became a Bruins fan. And since then, everything has been great for me. This is a great group, and I’m really happy to be a part of it. »
O’Ree saw his wish granted with a win in Boston. It was revenge of sorts after the Bruins’ 5-1 loss on December 4, 2009 in Montreal, when the same Canadians celebrated their own centennial.
In Boston on Sunday, the message was clear: the Bruins are not going to forget the past, but their eyes are on the future.
Main picture : Minor hockey players join a group representing the Boston Bruins for a centennial celebration Sunday at TD Garden. From left: Wayne Cashman, Willie O’Ree, Pamela Coburn, grandson of the late Lionel Hitchman, Terry O’Reilly, Greg Theberge, grandson of the late Dit Clapper, Jason Allison, Phil Esposito, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, Nancy Sommer, daughter of the late Milt Schmidt, Raymond Bourque, Cam Neely, Bobby Orr, Johnny Bucyk, Ted Shore, son of the late Eddie Shore, and Rick Middleton.
2024-12-02 02:52:00
#Bruins #celebrated #rich #history #Centennial #Game #NHL.com
## Willie O’Ree Reflects on Bruins Centennial, Past Rivalries, and the Future of Hockey
The Boston Bruins celebrated a century of NHL hockey with a resounding victory over their historic rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. Legendary Bruins player and hockey pioneer Willie O’Ree, who broke the NHL’s color barrier in 1958, was on hand to witness the historic occasion. In this exclusive interview, O’Ree shares his reflections on the Bruins’ storied past, the enduring rivalry with Montreal, and his hopes for the future of the sport.
Joining us today is Willie O’Ree, a true icon in the world of hockey. not onyl did he forge a path for generations of players of color by becoming the first Black player in the NHL, but he also spent decades contributing to the growth and development of the game through community outreach and youth hockey programs. We are honored to have him share his insights on this special occasion.
### A Centennial Party Packed with History
**World-Today-News:** Mr. O’Ree, as someone who has been a part of the Bruins institution for over six decades, what did it mean for you to see the team celebrate its centennial?
**Willie O’Ree:** “It was truly an amazing experience.Seeing all those former players, the fans, and the energy in the TD Garden brought back a flood of memories. I’ve witnessed a lot of history with this franchise, both on and off the ice, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see them reach this milestone.”
**World-Today-News:** The Bruins chose a particularly fitting opponent for the Centennial Game – their longtime rivals,the Montreal Canadiens. Did that add an extra layer of meaning to the event?
**Willie O’Ree:** “Absolutely. The rivalry with Montreal is legendary, and it’s always been a special matchup. It was great to see the Bruins come out on top, especially after the Canadiens’ own centennial celebration win against Boston last year. It felt like a bit of sweet revenge, but more importantly, it emphasized the enduring nature of this rivalry and its place in hockey history.”
### Breaking Barriers and Building bridges
**World-Today-News:** You made history when you broke the color barrier in the NHL. How significant was it for you to see the Bruins celebrating their centennial while recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sport?
**Willie O’Ree:** “It’s incredibly significant. Hockey is a game for everyone, regardless of their background or ethnicity. When I first started playing, things were very different. I faced a lot of adversity, but I never let that discourage me.
Seeing the Bruins acknowledge the importance of diversity makes me hopeful for the future. We still have work to do, but the progress we’ve made is undeniable.”
### looking Ahead: A Luminous Future for the Bruins
**World-Today-News:** The Bruins are looking strong this season. what are your hopes for the team as they enter their next century?
**Willie O’Ree:** “I have no doubt that the Bruins will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. They have a great team, a passionate fanbase, and a commitment to excellence that is second to none. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the years to come.
“The Bruins’ centennial celebration reminds us that hockey is more then just a game.It’s about community, history, and the spirit of competition. As we move into the next chapter, let’s embrace the values that have made this sport so special and continue to work towards a more inclusive future for all.”
let us know in the comments your favorite memories of the Boston Bruins over the years! For more insights into hockey history and the impact of Willie O’Ree, check out our
