Lightning's J.T. Brown: O'Ree made it possible for me to play the game I love
J.T. Brown was presented with another chance to meet Willie O'Ree prior to Monday's game in Los Angeles.
The Tampa Bay Lightning forward, who was not in the lineup due to injury, shared a few words with the man who broke the NHL's color barrier almost 59 years ago after O'Ree dropped the puck in a ceremonial faceoff to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Very cool moment after puck drop today with J.T. and Willie. #TBLvsLAK pic.twitter.com/kPyAE4JsMt
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 16, 2017
Earlier in the day, Brown talked about how O'Ree impacted his life, and how he can keep his legacy going.
"He broke so many barriers, made it possible for me to play the game that I love," Brown said, per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "Anything I can do to keep growing the game, keep doing the things he did to help, that's something I'm willing to do."
Brown currently plays an active role in the Lightning's "Guide the Thunder" program, helping mentor local at-risk youths.