Month: June 2020

Willie O’Ree is best known for being the first black player in the NHL. He broke the black colour barrier in the NHL in 1958. O’Ree actually became blind in his right eye two years before his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins, but kept it a secret in order to play. He mostly spent his playing career in the minors, like the WHL, playing until he was 43 years old. There have been 94 black NHL players in the league since O’Ree became the first.

O’Ree faced remarks of racism throughout his entire career, such as “go back to the South” and “how come you’re not picking cotton?”. He didn’t let those comments get to him, he just wanted to be a hockey player. Today, NHL players are required to enroll in a preseason diversity training seminar. Since 1998, O’Ree has been the NHL’s Diversity Ambassador, traveling across America to schools and hockey programs to promote messages of inclusion, dedication, and confidence.

Honor’s

In 2018, Willie O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder. Also in 2018, the NHL instituted the annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, which recognizes the individual who has worked to make a positive impact on his or her community, culture, and society to make people better through hockey. O’Ree was named into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame as a builder in 2020.

In 2003, O’Ree was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy, honoring his contribution to hockey. He also has a community rink named in his honor near Allston, MA.

In 2019, a documentary “Willie” was made, detailing his incredible and trailblazing journey in the sport of hockey and inclusion.

“Willie” Trailer

Until Next Time

∼RJ

Everyone is born under a Zodiac sign, and these Zodiac signs can tell a lot about a person, including who they are most compatible with. Today we look at the 2019-2020 Boston Bruins team and each players Zodiac sign.

Zodiac Signs

• Capricorn: 12/22-1/21, Earth sign, hardworking, straight forward, stubborn
• Aquarius: 1/22-2/21, Air sign, innovative, admired, eccentric
• Pisces: 2/22-3/21, Water sign, free, sensual, sensitive
• Aries: 3/22-4/21, Fire sign, brave, independent, impulsive
• Taurus: 4/22-5/21, Earth sign, good taste, sensual, down to earth, stubborn
• Gemini: 5/22-6/21, Air sign, dynamic, many talents, likes games
• Cancer: 6/22-7/21, Water sign, sensitive, friend-orientated, practical
• Leo: 7/22-8/21, Fire sign, creative, popular, faithful
• Virgo: 8/22-9/21, Earth sign, successful, creative, clever
• Libra: 9/22-10/21, Air sign, irresistible, adventurous, indecisive
• Scorpio: 10/22-11/21, Water sign, self-reliant, powerful, dominant
• Sagittarius: 11/22-12/21, Fire sign, open-minded, loving, insensitive

Player Lineup

Bruce Cassidy (Taurus)

Marchand (Taurus) Bergeron (Leo) Pastrnak (Gemini)

N. Ritchie (Sag.) Krejci (Taurus) Kase (Scorpio)

Kuraly (Cap.) Coyle (Pisces) DeBrusk (Libra)

Nordstrom (Pisces) Lindholm (Libra) Wagner (Gemini)

Chara (Pisces) McAvoy (Sag.)

Grzelcyk (Cap.) Lauzon (Taurus)

Moore (Scorpio) Clifton (Taurus)

Rask (Pisces)

Halak (Taurus)

Injury List

K. Miller (Libra)

Carlo (Sag.)

Krug (Aries)

Notable Players Not Listed

Bjork (Leo)

Blidh (Pisces)

Kampfer (Libra)

B. Ritchie (Cancer)

Breakdown of Line Chemistry

The Bruins top line in made up of a Taurus, Leo and Gemini. Out of these three, Gemini’s typically are on the outside looking in at a great pair. Although luckily for this trio, they all have great chemistry on and off the ice.

The second line is made up of a Sagittarius, Taurus, and a Scorpio. Out of these three, the Taurus is the one that is on the outside looking in. This line is still finding their chemistry, with DeBrusk and Pastrnak subbing in for the wings at times on the ice.

The third line is made up of a Capricorn, Pisces, and Libra. This lines Zodiac signs get along perfectly, creating a lot of chemistry.

The fourth line is made up of a Pisces, Libra and Gemini. Out of these three, the Pisces is out of the loop, with the other two being a perfect match. This fourth line however, is full of energy and grit.

The first defensive pair is made up of a Pisces and Sagittarius. These two signs normally do not get along well, but the pairing of Chara and McAvoy has worked well for the Bruins.

The second defensive pair is made up of a Capricorn and Taurus. These two signs have a great working chemistry. Grzelcyk’s other partner, Krug who is injured, also make a great pair.

The third defensive pair is made up of a Scorpio and Taurus. These two signs are natural partners and have great chemistry.

The goalie duo is made up of a Pisces and Taurus. These two signs have great chemistry together.

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With hockey slowly coming back, fans finally have something to look forward to.

Until Next Time

∼RJ