We have seen long-awaited returns in sports go several ways. Some players, like Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, still face boos every time they touch the basketball in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s arena—ten years after their exit.
But for former Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand, it was nothing but applause throughout TD Garden as the 37-year-old played in Boston as a visitor for the first time in his life.
During a commercial timeout, a tribute video played over the jumbotron. Marchand watched with red eyes as moments that defined his 16 years as a Boston Bruin flashed on the screen. The entire Florida Panthers bench observed quietly as fans rose to their feet to thank “Marchy” for a decade and a half of dedicated service.
Then, a teary-eyed Marchand skated to center ice, holding his stick raised to the rafters, and thanked the fans one last time. With an open hand over his heart, the now two-time Stanley Cup champion allowed the tears to fall. Both benches joined in the ovation as Marchand returned to his bench, but the cheers didn’t stop.
Sensing the moment, Marchand jumped the boards again, waving to fans once more. Black and gold number 63 jerseys littered the stands as he continued to cry.
In a moment Bruins fans won’t soon forget, Brad Marchand was given his flowers with a heartfelt tribute—a true testament to his remarkable career in Boston.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/boston-bruins/florida-panthers-brad-marchand-cries-tribute-video/