Chris Wagner Dedicates Second-Period Goal To Friend Diagnosed With Cancer

BOSTON — Chris Wagner’s first goal of the season was a special one.

The Walpole, Mass. native found the back of the net in Boston’s 5-1 win over the Sharks on Tuesday, the same night the Bruins honored those suffering from cancer at TD Garden. Wagner dedicated his second-period goal to someone near and dear to his heart.

“I just want to give a shoutout, though, for that goal. One of my buddies, Tom Budreau, got diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma last week,” Wagner said after the game. “So, we’re going to start raising money for him. … He’s a fellow Xaverian brother. He’s one of my best friends.”

Ewing’s Sarcoma is an extremely rare form of cancer that forms on bone or soft tissue and typically is found in children and young adults, though it’s highly curable. Both Wagner and Budreau attended Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Mass.

Wagner said Tuesday night was inspirational, especially after he sat out Sunday’s contest against the New York Rangers with a foot issue.

“My foot’s kind of sore, but it’s nothing compared to what (Budreau is) about to go through,” Wagner said.

Bruins center Charlie Coyle also dedicated his second-period goal to a special guest, Quinn “The Mighty Quinn” Waters, who hails from Coyle’s hometown of Weymouth, Mass.

Nothing but class coming from the hometown boys.