The Boston Bruins will honor local military members, veterans and their families at Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 12 when the B's host the Florida Panthers.
The soldiers and their families will be honored throughout the game
through photo montages on the video board, Zamboni rides and video
messages. A select few will have the chance to shake hands with Bruins players as they leave the locker room during intermissions.
In honor of the night, Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart purchased $5,000 worth of tickets to the game to give to local military members and their families.
The Bruins encourage their fans to follow Stuart's lead by participating in the team's "Seats for Soldiers" program, which allows fans to purchase lower-level seats that will be donated to the Boston Bruins Foundation. Those tickets will in turn be donated to USO New England. Purchasing tickets for the program automatically enters donors into a drawing to win the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Winter Classic at Fenway Park on Jan. 1. More information is available at bostonbruins.com/seatsforsoldiers.
The Bruins will also host a collection drive at the game through Operation Homefront New England to send care packages to members of the military from New England who are currently serving overseas.
Bruins fans can donate travel-size shampoo, soap, deodorant, dental floss, playing cards, crosswords, pens, pencils, AA and C batteries and an encouraging note to a soldier. Fans can also make a monetary donation to purchase a complete care package. A donation of $20 will provide a member of the military with a complete care package. All Bruins fans choosing to make a donation will receive a raffle ticket for the opportunity to win Boston Bruins-autographed merchandise.
