Fredericton group wants sportsplex named after 1st black NHLer

A group of Frederictonians is pushing to have the city's new sports complex named after a local hockey legend.

In 1958, Willie O'Ree became the first black player in the NHL. The 50th anniversary of his first NHL game will be in January, and though O'Ree now resides in California, he's a native Frederictonian.

The group pushing for the dedication says it's the perfect time to have a naming ceremony.

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said he can't comment on the idea because the official proposal is still being worked on, but he says naming the sportsplex after O'Ree could be beneficial.

"I would expect that if I were a corporate and a building was named after the first black hockey player to play in the NHL on the 50th anniversary, I think I'd like to have my name associated with it," Woodside said Tuesday.

The group also wants the city to name a second sportsplex that's yet to be built after another NHL player from the city.

Danny Grant, who has coached the St. Thomas University Tommies, was the NHL's rookie of year in 1969.