Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 452, the Willie O'Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act, and to recognize the incredible impact that Willie O'Ree has had on the great sport of hockey. Willie etched his name into the history books in 1958. When he became one of the select few--and it is a very few--who got called up from the minors to play in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, Willie broke down racial barriers for sure. He would go on to play more than 24 seasons as a professional hockey player, despite facing countless challenges on and off the ice. Willie O'Ree remains a trailblazer for many, but his contributions certainly did not end after his retirement from his playing career in 1979. As we have heard, in 1996, he became the NHL's diversity ambassador. In this capacity, he established the Hockey is for Everyone initiative to create a culture of inclusivity and provide an opportunity for disadvantaged children across this country and North America to play the game. His work continues even to this day to reinvigorate and grow the great sport of hockey while setting an example for underrepresented communities here at home and on an international level. As the NHL and teams across the country finally recognized Willie O'Ree's incredible contributions to hockey, today is Congress' opportunity to honor a true legend of the game that is loved and enjoyed by millions.…”