Ray Bourque is the Bruins all-time chief in factors (1,506), assists (1,111), energy play targets (164) and video games performed (1,518). His No. 77 sits excessive above the ice amongst 11 different Boston legends.
However one reminiscence that stands out for the Corridor of Fame defenseman occurred in a pregame ceremony honoring Phil Esposito on Dec. 3, 1987
The Bruins determined to retire Esposito’s No. 7, however the issue was Bourque had been carrying the quantity since his rookie season in 1979-80.
“I used to be at all times requested each as soon as and awhile by the press if I assumed the quantity ought to be retired,” Bourque advised NESN. “And it was sure. Legend Phil Esposito, with what he’s achieved right here in Boston. Profitable two Cups and simply being the participant that he was, a Corridor of Famer and every thing else that he’s achieved within the league — in fact.”
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Bourque rememberd that it was a choice made the day of the ceremony that he would skate throughout the ice with the Spoked-B No. 7 jersey on, solely to take away it and present Esposito and the remainder of the Boston Backyard trustworthy his new quantity; 77.
“It was actually bizarre and it was tousled as a result of that complete determination about what was going to occur with the shirt was made at one o’clock that afternoon,” Bourque stated. “So, the way it all got here down was good as a result of no person knew nothing about nothing. The one people who knew what was going to occur was my spouse, administration, coaches and the coaching workers. No gamers, nobody, no person, no followers and esepecially not Phil. So, once I noticed his face, it was fairly cool to see how comfortable he was.”
“Once I noticed his face, it was fairly cool to see how comfortable he was.”
Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque on Phil Esposito
Former Bruins defenseman Frank Simonetti recalled being on the bench the evening of the ceremony.
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“If I needed to choose a favourite second once I was with the Bruins it needed to be with Ray Bourque when he took his quantity seven and gave it to Phil Esposito,” Simonetti advised NESN. “That complete alternate and we had been all sitting on the bench not figuring out it was going to occur.”
For Bourque the choice to alter numbers was a straightforward one for him to make.
“It was the proper factor to do,” Bourque defined. “I wore three numbers with the Bruins. I wore No. 29 in coaching camp and had an ideal camp. At the beginning of the season, I present up at my stall for the primary sport and No. 7 is true there and once you’re 18-years-old you simply play and don’t say an excessive amount of.”
His favourite on the ice reminiscences with the Bruins had been competing for the Stanley Cup in 1988 and 1990.
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“Simply a tremendous wonderful feeling as a bunch to get a play for the Stanley Cup,” Bourque stated. “That run as disappointing as you understand not getting something achieved within the finals, however getting there was was a lot enjoyable and nice reminiscences and a lot arduous work and also you simply acknowledge how arduous it’s to essentially to win ultimately.”
Bourque, after taking part in in two Stanley Cup Finals with the Bruins captured his first and solely championship with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 after being traded in the course of the 1999-2000 season.
When Colorado captain Joe Sakic obtained the trophy after defeating the New Jersey Devils in Recreation 7, he didn’t hoist it, however as a substitute instantly handed it to Bourque to elevate the trophy he had chased for 22 years.
