Willie presently works with the NHL/USA Diversity Task Force and in Youth Development. He has also served as a role model for many present day NHLers such as Jarome Iginla and Anson Carter.
Willie has been recognized in his adopted hometown of San Diego and just recently received a standing ovation at an NHL game in St Louis as part of Diversity Week. He also was asked to carry the Olympic Torch as part of the Salt Lake City Olympic Games.
Despite being recognized elsewhere the City of Fredericton, New Brunswick has done next to nothing to honor Willie. The present Mayor of Fredericton, Les Hull, when a Provincial Cabinet Minister was involved in having Willie inducted into the New Brunswick Hall of Fame – this brings with it an automatic listing on the Fredericton Wall of Fame.
There are a number of us who feel that the City of Fredericton has not done enough for Willie O’Ree and are suggesting that a Statue, Bust, Street Name or the old York Arena (where many old timers got their start) be renamed in his honor. It has also been suggested that a local fredericton artist be commissioned to do the statue.
If you think Willie should receive more visible recognition by the City of Fredericton the Mayor is Les Hull, his e-mail address is: les.hull@city.fredericton.nb.ca
