Bruins celebrate local hero in Game Two ceremony
Fresh off their Game One win, the Bruins started Game Two of their first-round playoff series on a high note by having Boston bombing victim Jeff Bauman wheeled onto the ice in the pregame ceremony. Dressed in a Bruins jersey and holding a massive banner, which flowed as he moved along the carpet, the crowd roared as he waved the flag back and forth to get things started in Game Two.
In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, the city has slowly returned to a sense of normalcy. Still, the feeling that something terribly wrong has happened cannot be shaken. Bauman is a haunting reminder, as an iconic photo of an ashen-faced bombing being rushed to an ambulance with his legs blown to bits is forever imprinted in the minds of many.
But Bauman’s recovery is also representative of the post-bombing spirit. Just days after the attacks, Bauman helped the FBI identify one of the suspects from his hospital bed. The 27-year-old has had multiple surgeries and still faces a long road to recovery, but he wore a smile on his face Saturday as he waved a Boston Strong banner for the Garden crowd. Bauman released a statement Saturday thanking the Bruins and the community for their suppor.
“I want to thank everyone for their amazing support for me and all those injured and their families,” Bauman said in the statement. “I’m making great progress and I thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to respect our space at this time. I want to thank the Bruins players and organization for the generosity and support for all those impacted. Like all those in Black and Gold, I can’t wait to see them on another quest for the Cup. Go Bruins!”
Bauman’s inspirational attitude extends beyond just Bruins players. Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was busy on Twitter Saturday night, sharing his thoughts on the ceremony with his followers.
I believe it hes an inspirationRT @tara62284: @edelman11 how awesome is it that Jeff Bauman is doing th honors to open the bruins tonight?!
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) May 4, 2013
Hockey analyst Kevin Paul Dupont also tweeted his thoughts on Bauman, giving NHL fans everywhere a heartfelt request.
Jeff Bauman. Awesome. Remember him when the cheers fade. Please.
— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) May 4, 2013
Comcast Sports Net analyst Michael Girardi also expressed some kind words to the newfound Boston hero, giving him words of hope and inspiration.
Jeff Bauman delivers the emotion with the pre game Bruins flag wave. Much respect my brother. Definition of a hero #BruinsTalk
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 4, 2013
Hero indeed.
Did you see the ceremony featuring Bauman? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
