The Penguins held their Willie O’Ree Academy yesterday in celebration of the NHL’s first black player. Hall of Famer Willie O’Ree made his debut as a member of the Boston Bruins in 1958. The Penguins’ event offers support and guidance to black youth players throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Pens’ defenseman P.O. Joseph flew in from his native Quebec for the event and talked about his life growing up in what is traditionally viewed as a white person’s sport. He said as a child he and other black youth looked up to one of the NHL’s best players, P.K. Subban.
Joseph said he hopes black youth can be inspired by him, just as he was by Subban.
Joseph said he is happy to make an impact on the lives of young players.
After appearing in sixteen games for the Penguins last year, Joseph may be called upon to have a much larger role on the Pens’ blue line this season. He scored one goal with four assists.
The Penguins yesterday re-signed restricted free agent forward Radim Zohorna to a two-year contract at the league minimum cap hit of $750,000. The 25-year-old played eight games and had two goals and two assists last season. His signing leaves only restricted free agent Zach Aston-Reese yet to sign or go through arbitration.
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