Wayne Simmonds has blossomed into one of the league's most consistent right wingers, but if it wasn't for a trailblazer named Willie O'Ree, the Flyers forward might never have dreamed of reaching the NHL.
O'Ree, who in 1958 became the NHL's first black player, made Simmonds believe at a young age that playing pro hockey was a possibility.
"He had an effect on every single player of color coming into this league," Simmonds said before a recent game. "Without him, we wouldn't even be in this league . . . so there's a lot of respect I have for Mr.