Barry Trotz would have liked to have met slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. He has met hockey pioneer Willie O’Ree, the first Black player in the NHL.
"I wouldn’t like you if you don’t like Willie O’Ree," the Islanders coach said. "He’s such a great person and a good role model for the game."
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, both King and O’Ree were honored in a pre-game ceremony before the Islanders faced the Bruins in their home opener at Nassau Coliseum. Trotz said if he had the opportunity to spend a day with a historical figure, King, "might be at the top of my list.