Bostin Bruins Legends Reunite Before Blackhawks Win as Club’s Centennial Celebration Commences
National Hockey League (NHL): Bruins from various periods spanning the team’s 100-year history gathered at the TD Garden on Wednesday night, marking the commencement of the team’s centennial celebration.
According to Boston 25 News on Wednesday, October 11, before the 3-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks, former Bruins players had the opportunity to stroll down the “Gold Carpet,” engaging with fans and the media two hours before the game’s commencement.
Boston Bruins was founded in 1924, and the NHL team will soon become 100 years old. However, the celebration to welcome this iconic moment for the Bruins began on Wednesday night at the TD Garden.
Cam Neely, the President of the Bruins, expressed his amazement at the early turnout of fans for a 7:30 game. He also emphasized the significance of the centennial celebration, recognizing the appreciation of the team’s fans.
Notable figures from the 2011 championship-winning team, such as David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, and Shawn Thornton, followed in the footsteps of hockey legends like Johnny Bucyk and Terry O’Reilly.
Shawn Thornton, currently an executive with the Florida Panthers and a fan favourite during his playing days, acknowledged the kindness of the city’s hockey legends and the tight-knit community of Bruins fans.
Bob Sweeney, a Massachusetts native drafted by the Bruins in 1982, expressed his amazement at the gathering of legends during the team’s 100-year journey.
Ray Bourque, an 18-time All-Star with the Bruins, shared his lifelong connection with the city and the team, emphasizing the uniqueness of the place and the memories created during his 21-year career.
Johnny Bucyk, an 88-year-old two-time Cup winner and NHL’s 100-year anniversary team member, cherished the opportunity to reunite with former teammates and enjoy the moment.
Even the elusive Tim Thomas, the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning goaltender known for his low public profile after retiring in 2014, couldn’t resist the call of the special day, humorously acknowledging the honor.
The Bruins, now in their 100th year, join the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs as the third NHL team to reach this historic milestone.
While Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci participated in the pregame festivities, the absence of recent retirees was felt as the Bruins embarked on their 100th season against the Chicago Blackhawks, led by 2023 #1 overall draft pick Connor Bedard.
