(Photo Credit: NHL Bruins)
By: Evan Michael | Follow me on Twitter @00EvanMichael
Whether it was Boston Strong or more recently Hometown Heroes, Bruins players have always made it a point to stand up for what they believe is right during the playing of the National Anthem at TD Garden.
A statement from the Boston Bruins players: pic.twitter.com/Ge10yy8y7q
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 28, 2020
Now, in the midst of tumultuous times across the U.S. and parts of Canada, the team has decided to once again take a stand for race relations, just treatment of their fans and supporters, and respect for each other as human beings.
In a recently released statement on the Boston Bruins official Twitter account @NHLBruins, the players have shared the following joint message:
“Over the past several months we have been trying to educate ourselves and learn more about racial injustice in our country and around the world. As a team we have decided to lock arms during the playing of the United States and Canadian Anthems as a sign of solidarity with the Black community.
This action is solely intended to be a positive sign of support for the Black community, and a way for us to use our platform to help end racism.”
— July 28th, 2020
The Boston Bruins organization has had a long and storied history dealing with and overcoming race-related issues, both on and off the ice. Fellow BN’G writer Liz Rizzo, aka @pastagrl88, shared some of that history when she profiled Willie O’Ree’s career and diversity in hockey on this very blog.
O’Ree, who made his NHL debut with the @NHLBruins on Jan. 18, 1958, is a trailblazer who paved the way for the players of diverse ethnic backgrounds who have succeeded him in the subsequent 60 years. #HHOF #HHOF2018
More: https://t.co/Am2hD0Q2Y7 pic.twitter.com/mxDo6e8gkm
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 26, 2018
O’Ree, as we know, was the first ever black player in the National Hockey League, making his debut for the Bruins on January 18th, 1958 against the Montreal Canadiens. Nearly sixty years later, he headlined the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018 as an inductee for the Bruins.
Now, as the Bruins return to play in a Summer season surrounded by questions of uncertainty and health concerns, there’s one thing definitely certain for all players wearing Black N’ Gold — they’ve not only got the backs of each other but also of their fellow man.
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