Tuesday was a very big day for the hockey community and aspiring hockey players around the world as Willie O’Ree got his official call from the Hockey Hall of Fame to let him he’ll be inducted later this year as part of the Class of 2018.
Shortly after the official announcement was made players around the NHL congratulated O’Ree on his recent achievement with some heartfelt messages. One of the players who chimed in on the conversation with a personal message of his own was Nashville Predators defenceman P.K. Subban, who had this to say.
Subban touched on a few things in his video message to O’Ree and made sure to let the 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee know he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for what he did 60 years ago.
“Obviously very excited about the news, to hear that Willie O’Ree is going to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder for the game of hockey. I can’t explain how happy I am to hear that. Obviously it has been a fantastic summer for the game of hockey and for me personally, being on the cover of the EA Sports NHL game,” said Subban.
“When I look back on my career and all my accomplishments, to think that none of it would ever be possible without the sacrifices that Willie O’Ree made and many, many others before me, so just wanted to personally congratulate Willie O’Ree on giving me the opportunity to be on the cover of the NHL game, to win a Norris Trophy, to have a long career so far; nine years in the NHL and 10 in pro hockey, without you, Willie, none of this would be possible. Congratulations, it’s been a great summer for the game of hockey and many more years to come. Congrats, Willie!”
Other players who showed O’Ree some love after the announcement was made were JT Brown, Wayne Simmonds, Jason Zucker and Grant Fuhr.
Congratulations, Willie O’Ree!
