After speeches, by franchise legends and Massachusetts politicians, Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs reached over and rubbed the bear’s front left paw for good luck.
The bear is the new Bruin statue on located in Portal Park, just outside TD Garden. It was officially unveiled on Saturday as part of an event that featured remarks from Jacobs, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, Bruins President Cam Neely and captain Brad Marchand.
Saturday’s reveal was one of the final events in the Bruins’ year-long centennial celebration celebrating their 100th year as a franchise. That will conclude with Sunday’s 3 p.m. game against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden.
The bronze statue was designed by Harry Weber, who also created the Bobby Orr Statue which sits in front of the TD Garden’s Causeway Street entrance. It is 6-foot tall and 10-feet long and weighs 3,500 pounds.
Weber wasn’t able to be at the event, but issued a statement.
“Creating two monuments that represent the Bruins’ storied legacy and heritage has been a privilege,” said Harry Weber. “Though originally from St. Louis, Boston has always held a special place in my heart, and it means the world to have had the opportunity to sculpt two symbols of the team’s greatness for such passionate fans.”
Several Bruins icons were present at the event including Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton, Willie O‘Ree and Terry O’Reilly. More are expected on Sunday.
They followed Jacobs to rub the paw for luck.
“Today, as we unveil this new Bear statue in celebration of the Boston Bruins’ first 100 years, we mark not just a milestone in our team’s history, but a symbol of the enduring spirit of this franchise and its fans“, Jacobs said. “We are proud that this statue will greet generations of hockey fans, players and all who pass by, reminding them of the rich legacy we have built together and the exciting future that lies ahead.”
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