By: Evan Michael | Follow me on Twitter @00EvanMichael
Charlie McAvoy knows a few tricks when it comes to being an elite defenseman in the NHL (an elite D-man who just signed a very enriching contract extension as this blog recently covered). But he’s also an expert on “treats.”
From his annual visits to Boston-area and New England hospitals where he’s a “Force” to be reckoned with in terms of his costume choices (Yoda he went as, indeed!), to his recent candy corn comments and commotions thanks to the brilliant B’s social media video series via JetBlue, McAvoy is seizing the moment as a man about town… Beantown, that is.
Even new arrivals to the Black N’ Gold like Nick Foligno can’t help but share in the excitement of a “spirited” start to the regular season –and Halloween season– for the Bruins, especially with the McAvoy extension news and the creative culture head coach Bruce Cassidy continues to support for his players.
But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what No. 73 had to say for himself: “I couldn’t be happier… there’s no place I’d rather be. Now I get to do what I love. Come to work everyday and play hockey… for the Boston Bruins.”
But McAvoy isn’t the only Boston Bruin walking the walk and talking the talk — truly dressed for success both on and off the ice this time of year. It’s a team wide engagement, a tradition if you will, that each and every October the B’s begin their hallowed hockey journey with Halloween fashion and flair.
“We are sending much love, energy and comfort to all of you… from Brandon Carlo as Cookie Monster… to Charlie Coyle as Ernie… to Tuukka Rask as Oscar,” said current B’s Captain Patrice Bergeron while speaking at a past virtual Halloween event for Boston Children’s Hospital.
From Frozen to Star Wars to Toy Story, it’s always a good story to see Bergeron as Buzz Lightyear or Brad Marchand as Prince Hans or the aforementioned McAvoy as Yoda — all of them visiting sick kids and ailing families to bring them plenty of laughs and smiles (as well as non-candy corn candy) during challenging times when they could use it the most.
And making the most of spooktacular Halloween moments like this builds two important components for the B’s: community and camaraderie. The fans love the Boston Bruins. The Boston Bruins are huge fans of the fans. And it shows every time the team dresses up around the town and when the TD Garden gets dressed all October long.
And since it’s quite the long season in the NHL, one that will undoubtedly be filled with both tricks and treats for the B’s this year, it’s important to remember the light-hearted and warm-hearted moments — from candy corn to Kids Club — to help get us through.
As Charlie McAvoy in full Yoda garb and regalia might say: “Pass on what you have learned.”
So, pass it on Boston Bruins fans: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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