(Photo Credits: NHL Bruins/ Instagram)
By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88
Last night during the Boston Children’s Hospital Champions for Children Gala at Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center, David Pastrnak received the 2018 Champion Award honoring his community work off the ice. The annual All-Star Gala fundraiser was attended by many local businesses and some big names in sports. The event also features a sports-themed auction and dinner. Since 1997, more than $55-million dollars have been raised for both patients and families at the Boston Children’s Hospital. Other Bruins in attendance included Patrice Bergeron, Brandon Carlo and Zdeno Chara. The award is given to those athletes whose contributions have enriched children’s lives across Boston. Last year’s recipient was Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics.
(Photo Credits: Boston Children’s Hospital/Instagram)
Many players from the Bruins organization have visited the Boston Children’s Hospital throughout the years, sharing smiles with many pediatric patients. From donning Halloween costumes to bringing Christmas gifts, the boys in Black and Gold are no strangers to when it comes to doing community service. Recently Captain Zdeno Chara continued the Thanksgiving tradition of delivering pies to many homeless shelters across the city. Since joining the Bruins, David Pastrnak has been more than happy to spread some cheer to many children. As he simply stated last night upon receiving the award:
“Huge honor. Obviously thanks to my teammates…we love to visit hospitals and just put smiles on kid’s faces…(The kids) are such an inspiration for us”
Throughout his time here in Boston, Pastrnak has become a fan favorite among young fans and that energy has translated off the ice as well. Along with visiting patients at the Boston Children’s Hospital, the young winger spent time showing off his street hockey skills recently at a Bauer Hockey event. In the past, Pastrnak had participated in the Macy’s coat drive, which provides coats to local underprivileged children during the holidays.
(Photo Credits: Bauer Hockey/Instagram)
Pastrnak has also spent time with young hockey players in China and Sweden and as a player in those countries, having someone like “Pasta” give advice is worth its weight in gold. You can check out the video here in which the 22-year-old explains how he hopes to help develop young talent. As the unofficial hockey ambassador in China (and being the only NHLer with an active endorsement there), you’ll find Pasta on the ice skating during clinic sessions, teaching young Chinese players the ins and outs of the game. We’ve all seen the videos, but in case you missed it click here for some highlights.
(Photo Credits: Czech Hockey Fan Page/Instragram)
There is no lack of enthusiasm when it comes to someone like the ever-smiling Pastrnak. And that enthusiasm is extended to the many children he has come in contact with. Coming from humble beginnings, the Czech-native is grateful for everything he has achieved so far in the NHL. With recent rumblings about a certain player’s contract dispute, Pastrnak once again reminded us how much of a steal Bruins GM Don Sweeney got when he was signed to a 6-year deal worth $40 million. Pasta has no regrets and Boston is more than happy to see number 88 in Black and Gold.
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