O'Ree, Grant get hockey arenas in their honour
By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com
Published Wednesday September 5th, 2007
Appeared on page A1
City councillors accepted a community group's proposal Tuesday to name sports complexes in Fredericton after two of the city's shining hockey stars.
Mayor Brad Woodside said councillors have been hearing feedback from the public regarding the issue -- and with the 50th anniversary of Willie O'Ree's debut in the NHL in January -- it was the right time to honour O'Ree.
"It was a unanimous council decision,'' said Woodside on Tuesday night.
A citizens' group made its formal pitch to council, urging that O'Ree be the namesake for the northside sports and leisure complex opened earlier this year.
NHL star Danny Grant's name was put forward as the moniker for the arena on the south side of the city, which is currently in design.
Fredericton lawyer David Hashey said Fredericton-born O'Ree made hockey history when he broke the National Hockey League's colour barrier.
"Time will never change his place in history," Hashey said.
O'Ree joined the NHL on Jan. 18, 1958. The anniversary of his first NHL game will be marked on that date next year.
The 71-year-old California resident continues to travel all over North America as director of youth development for NHL diversity.
David Sansom said Grant is often referred to as the Iron Man for playing 566 consecutive games. He amassed 263 goals and 273 assists for 536 points in his career.
While playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Grant became the 12th player in NHL history to score 50 goals.
After retiring from the Los Angeles Kings in 1979, Grant returned to Fredericton and has supported home-town hockey at all levels since.
"Heroes are not created by NHL statistics or public appearances, but are in contrast defined by their contribution after the lights have dimmed ... Danny Grant became a hero when he unselfishly gave himself back to the community," Sansom said.
Fredericton lawyer Bob Kenny said the accomplishments of both men are legendary, their character sound and their love of the community immense.
Both deserve to have their contributions acknowledged in a meaningful and lasting way by naming the two sportsplexes in their honour, Kenny said.
The citizens' group came armed with letters of support from the presidents of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University, Hockey New Brunswick, senators and other sports groups.