Willie O’Ree Place

Fredericton, NB

This 9 000-square-meter, state of the art facility houses two NHL hockey arenas. Arena one has seating for 1 500 spectators, while arena two can seat 250. The facility also contains 11 change rooms, multiple community rooms, a YMCA, and a walking track.

This facility has the honour of being named after Fredericton native Willie O’Ree who was the first black player in the NHL when he played for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958 against the Montreal Canadiens. He is a member of the Order of Canada, and the Order of New Brunswick along with being the recipient of numerous other awards. Today, he serves as the National Hockey League’s Director of Youth Development and the ambassador for NHL Diversity.

Photos courtesy of Murdock & Boyd and N45 Architects.