Brad Marchand’s and wife Katrina attends Boston Bruin statue unveiling ahead of Bruins Centennial Game Day [via IG/@nhlbruins, @rondurk, Boston Mayor's office]

In Photos: Brad Marchand, wife Katrina Sloane join key Boston politicians in unveiling 3500-pound Bruins centennial legacy monument

Modified Dec 01, 2024 06:47 GMT

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand and his wife Katrina joined fans and dignitaries on Saturday for the unveiling of a commemorative statue celebrating 100 years of Bruins hockey. The statue, a six-foot-tall bronze ‘Boston Bruin’, was unveiled at Portal Park outside TD Garden as part of the team's ongoing Centennial celebrations.

Designed by renowned sculptor Harry Weber, the statue honors the Bruins’ legacy as the first NHL team based in the United States. It all dates back to their inaugural game on Dec. 1, 1924 which marks 100 years of the franchise.

The Bruin which has been a longtime symbol of the team, was crafted from 90 bronze pieces and weighs 3,500 pounds. Weber had also designed the team’s famous Bobby Orr statue back in 2010.

On Saturday, team captain Brad Marchand’s wife Katrina shared a series of clips and pictures from Instagram, including a post from a representative of the Mayor’s office, on her stories.

The event brought together Bruins legends Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Ray Bourque, along with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

Brad Marchand delivers heartfelt speech during statue unveiling ceremony on Bruins Centennial weekend

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand delivered an emotional speech during the unveiling of the Bruins’ Centennial Legacy Statue on Saturday. Marchand began his speech by expressing deep gratitude to the Jacobs family, the longtime owners of the Bruins.

“First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Jacobs family for their vision, dedication, and the opportunity to provide us all to be part of such an amazing organization every single day.”

“The Boston Bruins are not just a hockey team, they've been the heart and soul of the city. When you look up to the rafters and see the names and numbers, you're reminded that those who came before us set the highest standard of excellence.”

Brad Marchand also recognized the support of Bruins fans, crediting their passion and loyalty as the driving force behind the team.

“There’s no feeling like skating out onto the ice and feeling the energy of Bruins Nation,” he added.

Marchand closed his speech with a commitment to lead by example and honor the legacy of Bruins legends.

“As a captain, I promise to give my all every day and to lead this incredible group of players with everything I’ve got," he said.

The unveiling of the six-foot-tall bronze bear statue was one of many events celebrating the Bruins’ Centennial Game weekend. On Sunday the team will play the highly anticipated Centennial Game, in which they will face off against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden. This game marks exactly 100 years since the Bruins played their first-ever NHL game against the Montreal Maroons on Dec. 1, 1924.