Brad Marchand’s Centennial Involvement Beyond Bruins Star’s Wildest Dreams

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins brought out franchise legends of the past one by one for a pregame ceremony honoring the organization’s centennial game on Sunday at TD Garden.

Willie O’Ree. Bobby Orr. Johnny Bucyk. Phil Esposito. Rick Middleton. Terry O’Reilly. Ray Bourque. Cam Neely. Patrice Bergeron. The history of the Bruins is on display at center ice for all to see.

And then, with the final introduction came not a former player but current Bruins captain Brad Marchand. The moment wasn’t lost on Marchand, standing side-by-side with the greats of the illustrious Original Six franchise and the feisty winger already included in that exclusive group.

“It really hit me (Saturday) when I was sitting there at the unveiling of the bear (statue) and kind of looked over and they were all sitting. I was like, ‘This is insane.’ Literally, the guys that I idolized and still idolize and get nervous around even today when they’re here in the building and get to see them,” Marchand said following Boston’s 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. “It is really special to be able to be in their company and be in events with them. Never would have ever dreamed of being part of something like that with them on the ice. So, very, very honored and proud to be part of it.”

Even though the 36-year-old Marchand is still playing — he’s certainly closer to the end of his career than the beginning — his accolades match up with some of the best to ever sport the Black and Gold.

Marchand ranks fourth in franchise history with 409 goals, fifth with 946 points and is top 10 in several other statistical categories. He’s achieved all of it in a Bruins uniform, spending all 16 seasons of his NHL career with Boston.

It feels like Marchand wouldn’t have it any other way. And when it comes time for the Bruins to hold another ceremony when Marchand is enjoying retirement, it won’t be a surprise to see him back in the position he was in Sunday.

“I can’t say enough about how incredible this organization is and the guys that continue to want to be part of it,” Marchand said. “That’s what’s so great is when you’re part of this group, you’re part of it for life. It’s not just a here and gone thing. It’s something you’ll always be proud of and want to come back for.”