By: Evan Michael | Follow me on Twitter @00EvanMichael
The 2022-2023 Boston Bruins quickly formed an identity during the pre-season that has successfully skated over into the regular season so far: a band of Black N’ Gold brothers. Or should I say… Super Mario Brothers?
Give it up for Patrice “Mario” Bergeron and Brad “Luigi” Marchand, truly showcasing their STAR power in picture-perfect plumbing costumes ahead of Halloween. I mean, has there ever been a more entertaining portrayal of these two popular Nintendo characters before (apologies to Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo)?
Well, the irony — or perhaps verisimilitude — of this year’s spooktacular B’s squad is that they’ve been playing just like the Mario Bros. video game: SUPER!
Off to a 5-1 start and firing on all cylinders (as opposed to jumping down them in other worlds), the B’s are currently otherworldly when it comes to hockey. Sure, the sample size is small and the season is only in its infancy, but not even King Koopa — or better yet Jeremy Swayman dressed as King Koopa — could’ve predicted 10-out-of-12 points to begin the season!
And what makes this season’s start even more magical & memorable is that it always aligns with one of the team’s favorite annual traditions: the Halloween costume visit to the Mass General Children’s Hospital.
“You know, this was given to me but I’m wearing it proud,” said a smiling Derek Forbort when asked by the B’s beat writers about his Princess Peach costume for the kids.
Kids who get more pumped than a creatively carved out pumpkin upon seeing their heroes pump out the love, luck and laughter for them — be they in B’s jerseys or Super Mario costumes. Just look at the “fan favorite” reactions below!
“I think it’s just a special day, you know, to be able to go and share a moment with the kids who are going through a lot and the families that are going through a lot,” Mario — I mean Bergeron — shared with camera crews while getting costumed.
This wonderful and life-changing partnership between the Boston Bruins organization and Mass General Children’s Hospital had taken an in-person hiatus for two years doing only virtual events and meet-and-greets.
But, as the pictures and video clips prove, the 12th annual Halloween hospital visit returned in truly fine fashion for not only the players this year, but the patients as well.
“I think a lot of things in life revolve around perspective and it’s a lot of fun to see the smiles on the kids’ faces when you walk in in these silly costumes,” beamed Brandon Carlo while done up as Donkey Kong to treat everyone.
All treats and no tricks. It’s exactly what makes the B’s so super right now, both on and off the ice ahead of Halloween. And for more information and amazing behind-the-scenes content from this special visit, click on the highlighted link right here and make sure to stay tuned to the Black N’ Gold Hockey Blog all season long!
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