Trinity College

Hartford, Conn., October 25, 2004— Given the popularity of the temporary skating rink at Bushnell Park during the winter of 2001-2002, clearly there is a need for a community skating rink in Hartford. Trinity College and the Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA) will be joined by guest of honor, Willie O'Ree—first black player in the National Hockey League (NHL)—during a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Community Sports Complex, which includes an ice skating rink. The event will be held on November 6, at 11:00 a.m., at the project site on New Britain Ave. in Hartford's South End.

While visiting Hartford, O'Ree will meet with youth from the Hartford Boys’ and Girls' Club, Saturday Academy on the Trinity campus, and two area schools. In his position with the NHL Diversity Task Force, O'Ree visits over 60 elementary, middle and high schools each year, emphasizing the importance of education and goal setting. O'Ree's message to Hartford youth will be similar, he says. “I tell them to set goals, believe in yourself, and don't let anyone convince you that you can't do what you set out to.” He adds that he knows the truth of this statement first hand. Early in his career, O'Ree lost the vision in his right eye due to an errant hockey puck. “The doctor told me I'd never play hockey again,” notes O'Ree, “But I told myself that I could, and I did, for years.” But, he emphasizes, “I tell kids, even if you're really good at a sport, you can only play for a few years – then you're on to the second part of your life. And, for that, you need an education.”

Born in Fredricton, New Brunswick, Canada in 1935, O'Ree made his NHL debut in 1958, and went on to play 22 years of professional hockey. In 1998, he re-joined the NHL as the director of youth development for NHL Diversity, a not-for-profit program that provides support and unique programming to not-for-profit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering economically disadvantaged boys and girls of all ages opportunities to play hockey. In addition to speaking with youth across the country, O'Ree ensures that thousands of youth gain exposure to hockey through various NHL Diversity programs, including the annual Willie O'Ree All Star Game, “Hockey is for Everyone” clinics, and the NHL Diversity Hockey Scholarship Program.

An extension of the Learning Corridor, the Community Sports Complex will provide safe space for recreational opportunities and constructive programming for the community. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2005. Designed as a true multi-use community resource—with fitness center, climbing wall, and community rooms—the sports complex will also serve as a skating center and the new home for Trinity's men's and women's ice hockey teams.

Contributions to the project, for which fundraising is ongoing, include an anonymous $3 million gift from a Trinity College alumnus and leadership support from others, including The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and a $3 million grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

Click here for artist renderings, project specifications, floor plans, and more:

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Media Contact:

Rama Sudhakar
860-297-2139
rama.sudhakar@trincoll.edu