BOSTON — The 2015 State of the Bruins event lasted nearly an hour and a half Thursday night, but the most powerful statement came in the opening minutes.
After delivering an address that touched on all aspects of the Bruins organization, general manager Don Sweeney described — in no uncertain terms — what he expects from his players in his first season as GM.
“The bottom line for all of us,” Sweeney told the gaggle of season-ticket holders in attendance at TD Garden, “is to be a Bruin, you’d better goddamn hate to lose.”
Sweeney’s proclamation naturally was met with raucous applause from the black-and-gold-clad fans who hope losing is not nearly as prevalent on Causeway Street as it was last season, when the Bruins failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Boston’s 2015-16 campaign officially began Thursday with the first day of training camp. The first on-ice practice is set for Friday morning, with the preseason opener following two nights later.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
