BOSTON (AP) — Brad Marchand, once a beloved Bruin, felt the love as he returned to Boston as a Florida Panther. During his first game back, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation, leaving him visibly emotional.
“It was extremely touching,” Marchand said after the game, which ended in a 4-3 victory for the Panthers. He added, “The Bruins will always hold a very, very dear place in my heart.” Now 37 and the last player from the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, Marchand had moved on to Florida for another shot at a title.
This past season, he helped the Panthers on their journey toward back-to-back championships. Meanwhile, the Bruins struggled, finding themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Marchand reflected on his time with the Bruins and his new chapter with the Panthers. “I built something special with this team,” he said, referring to the team bond formed last year. His six-year contract with the Panthers, worth around $32 million, shows his commitment to this new team.
Fans greeted Marchand warmly as he participated in pregame warmups. The DJ played a mashup of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and he responded with a heartfelt salute. He felt the mix of cheers and playful boos as he made his way through the game, which showcased his legacy and connection to the city.
Notably, during one commercial break, the scoreboard played a tribute reel celebrating his time in Boston. Shots included him lifting the Stanley Cup and highlighted his years of dedicated play. Marchand expressed how seeing his family on the big screen brought tears to his eyes, reflecting on how fast time flies in professional sports.
Florida’s coach, Paul Maurice, acknowledged Marchand’s emotional bond with Boston, saying, “He just wears his heart on his sleeve.” Marchand’s legacy includes being a four-time All-Star with a remarkable 422 goals and 554 assists over 16 seasons with the Bruins. He ranks among the Bruins’ top players in several categories, showing his impact on the franchise.
As Marchand navigates this new chapter, he embodies the spirit of the game and the deep connections players have with their past teams and cities. Transitioning to a new team may come with its challenges, but the recognition he received in Boston reminds us of the strong ties formed through shared experiences.
Now a Panther, Marchand carries the memories of his Bruins days with him as he aims for new achievements in his hockey career.
For more on his stats and career highlights, check out the AP’s NHL coverage.
Source link
Brad Marchand, Paul Maurice, Carter Verhaeghe, John Denver, Don Sweeney, Boston, Florida, NHL, FL State Wire, Massachusetts, Field hockey, Mackie Samoskevich, Sports, NHL hockey, Hockey
