There are numerous memories over the years as I have followed the B’s since moving to Natick, Mass., in 1972. For the first 10 years of my life, I lived in New Jersey. Up to the time I moved to Natick, I had never even picked up a stick or followed any NHL team.
Hockey was not very big in New Jersey, but once I moved, I soon learned that you better get to know hockey and root for the Bruins or be ostracized for life. Being the new kid on the block, I was no dummy and quickly became a fan of Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito and the Big, Bad Bruins. I also rooted for Don Awrey, because my new best friend’s mom was a nurse and helped deliver one of Don’s children.
However, by far and away, my best Bruin’s memory was having the chance to see the last exhibition game Sept. 26, 1995 at the Garden when the B’s played the Canadiens. I was fortunate to be invited by one of our very good customers, otherwise I would never have had the chance to get so close and be present for “one amazing evening.”
After the game, most of the Bruins, past and present, skated around the ice as a farewell gesture to the Garden and the fans. As they waved to the crowd you could see the welled-up sense of emotion in each player. This was a big deal for them and everyone in attendance.
Witnessing Bobby Orr skate around waving goodbye with tears in his eyes was an unbelievable moment. Then to the amazement of everyone, Ray Bourque and Terry O’Reilly helped Normand Leveille out on the ice to skate around for one last time. It was incredibly emotional and it really showed me just how close the Bruin’s family was.
Of course, there was not a dry eye in the house. We stood there in amazement, watching, cheering and balling our eyes out. Grown men and women crying as if someone close to them had just passed away. I was incredibly lucky to be there, especially since my job took me to Cincinnati. I was now living a long way from Natick, but having the chance to say goodbye to the Garden was my most favorite Bruins memory without a doubt.
