“What really aided us was that Bobby and I played 10 games together. We lost our very first one in Vancouver, but after that, we went on an incredible streak and were absolutely dominating,” Park reminisced, recalling events as if they had just taken place rather than nearly 50 years ago.
During his inaugural game at the historic Boston Garden, the Bruins were overwhelming the North Stars with the Orr-Park-powered power play scoring four goals, when Park received an unexpected message from above.
“There was a quiet moment in the game, and someone shouted from the balcony, ‘Hey Pahk, welcome to Bahstin!’ I thought to myself, ‘Alright, I think I’ve won them over,’” Park said, laughing.
On November 20, Park will be at the new Garden, where he is set to receive the Hockey Legacy Award during The Tradition, an annual sports honors event hosted by The Sports Museum.
The idea that Park could be accepted in New England was once considered outrageous.
“I was despised in Boston,” Park recounted from his Maine residence. “I had authored a book that didn’t paint a flattering picture of the Bruins or the Boston Garden, and the FBI often had to escort me to and from the ice due to the death threats I received.”
Adding to the complexity was the fact that his trade resulted in the departure of Esposito, a cherished figure in both the city and the locker room, making a warm welcoming seem unlikely at that time.
Nonetheless, Park succeeded in fostering a connection, helping to mitigate the impact of losing Orr, who never suited up for the Bruins again after those remarkable 10 games.
Park recounted the trade that altered the trajectory of his Hall of Fame career.
“I received a phone call while staying at the Edgewater Inn in Oakland — I don’t recall the exact room number — at 7:30 in the morning from the coach, Ron Stewart,” Park detailed. “He requested that I come to his room, and once I hung up, I told my roommate, Steve Vickers, ‘I just got traded.’ They don’t call you at 7:30 in the morning to discuss strategy.”
The trade sent shockwaves throughout the NHL and even prompted Bruins forward Wayne Cashman to “redecorate” his hotel in Vancouver when he found out his pal, Espo, was gone.
Park was stunned.
“I was a captain of the Rangers. I was 27. I was in my prime. I was actually the highest-paid guy on the Rangers at that time,” he said. “To a certain degree you would think you might be indispensable, but we got off to a slower start and we were trying to right the ship.”
Park, who had helped the Rangers beat the Canucks a couple nights before, headed back to Vancouver to join his new team.
Other than some All-Star Game interactions with Orr and Cashman, Park didn’t have relationships with any of the Bruins.
Park and Ratelle got to the team hotel and met with longtime Bruins PR man Nate Greenberg for dinner. They picked their numbers — Park wore No. 22 and Ratelle No. 10 — and went to bed.
“We heard about Cash destroying his room, but there were no players around,” said Park. “The first time we met any of the guys was when we got on the bus to go to the game.”
Park and Orr played together on the power play or in late-game situations, whether it was protecting a lead or trying to get an equalizer.
“Bobby was a phenomenal player. He did a lot of things that I wasn’t capable of,” said Park. “And there were a number of things that maybe I might’ve been a little bit better at than him, but we both had one thing in common: We both wanted to control the game. So, whenever we had the puck, we made sure that it went in the right direction at the right time.”
They were the preeminent defensemen of their time and are credited with revolutionizing the position and the game.
Orr went on an unprecedented run of winning eight straight Norris Trophies (1967-68 through 1974-75) as the NHL’s best defenseman. Park finished second in the Norris voting four times to Orr and six times overall.
“I think what revolutionized the defense position was that Bobby and I, neither one of us was afraid to jump into the rush,” said Park. “So, if you had a three-on-two or a three-on-three going through the neutral zone, if you could jump in and make it a four-on-three or a four-on-two, that just added to the number of scoring chances you’re going to get. So, in that sense, I think that we did revolutionize the game because we were not afraid to jump into the offense, whether we’re asked or not.”
Park experienced a flood of emotions when he returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time wearing Black and Gold.
“I went back there as a Bruin and I got booed, which was fine,” said Park. “But I thought back to when I got traded, I kind of broke down and cried. And then I got mad because there was now a team that didn’t want me. And I think Jean Ratelle and I felt the same way, that over the next few years, whenever we played the Rangers, we were going to beat them, and I think it took them three years before they may have gotten a win [against us].”
While Orr’s signature moment forever will be his soaring Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal in 1970, Park’s most memorable was also a playoff dandy.
Park drilled an OT winner against the Sabres in Game 7 of the Adams Division finals in 1983.
Park said that goal is the one Bruins fans most ask him about.
“We had to win Game 6 in Buffalo to force Game 7. So, we forced the Game 7, and we were down, 2-0,” he said. “And I always ask people when they talk about the goal that I scored, I say, ‘Well, who got the tying goal?’ It’s always, ‘Well, I don’t know. I don’t know.’ And then I tell them, ‘I did.’ ”
Park finished his 17-year NHL career with 213 goals and 896 points, and a case could be made that his numbers should be hanging from the rafters at TD Garden (No. 22) and Madison Square (No. 2). They are retired already, (Willie O’Ree in Boston and Brian Leetch in New York), but it wouldn’t be unprecedented to double up. The Rangers have retired No. 9 twice (Andy Bathgate and Adam Graves) and No. 11 twice (Mark Messier and Vic Hadfield). Coincidentally, Leetch went from No. 2 with the Rangers to No. 22 with the Bruins, just like Park.
In addition to Park, five others will be honored with Legacy Awards: former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, former Celtic Dee Brown, Olympic gold medal figure skater Scott Hamilton, and 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Dara Torres.
For tickets, visit www.sportsmuseum.org.
THE SCIENCE GUY
Montgomery’s objective is peak condition
When the Bruins awoke on Wednesday, coach Jim Montgomery recommended that many players forgo the customary morning skate prior to their game against the Avalanche in Denver.
There was a strategy behind Montgomery’s suggestion.
“There’s sports science involved in our decisions. I urged most players not to step on the ice this morning since we haven’t had a day off since the start of the season,” he explained. “During the game tonight, it’s crucial to have short shifts because you want to avoid overexertion, which can leave you gasping for breath.”
Montgomery, along with associate head coach Joe Sacco, is well-equipped to devise and implement a game plan (e.g., short shifts) in the Mile High City. Montgomery previously guided the University of Denver, and Sacco once served as the head coach for the Avalanche.
According to Montgomery, collaborating with the club’s sports science staff has proven “very beneficial” for optimizing his players’ physical preparedness.
“I consult with them daily regarding the ideal duration of practice and take that feedback into account. At times, I might extend practice by five minutes or shorten it by the same amount,” shared Montgomery. “Additionally, we consider the intensity of the drills to strike a balance between lactic acid buildup, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. All these factors contribute to ensuring our players are at their peak during games.”
Montgomery noted that having Sacco’s insights on pregame preparations and in-game tactics has been “extremely” valuable.
“I rely heavily on him in all scenarios. Not only in game strategies, but his coaching experience here is invaluable,” Montgomery stated.
ETC.
You’ve got to hand it to Marchand
Athletes are known for their superstitions, adhering strictly to pre-game rituals to avoid disrupting their lucky streak.
Brad Marchand is less about superstition and more about routine. For instance, the Bruins captain loathes the idea of breaking in new gloves.
While some players cycle through numerous pairs of gloves in a season, Marchand prefers to use the same pair for multiple seasons.
“I don’t go through any,”
When asked about how many pairs he goes through during an 82-game season, Marchand responded, “It’ll be years before I change them.”
According to Marchand, his current gloves are in their second or third season, but he mentioned, “I’ve had gloves for like six, seven years [in the past].”
He typically repalms them about once during each season.
“But I hate that, too, so I try to push it,” he explained. “It’s how they feel. They are too stiff for my liking.”
While Marchand is often noted for having “filthy mitts,” he ensures there’s no unpleasant odor, as he has his gloves cleaned regularly.
Looking ahead, Bruins fans can eagerly anticipate at least a few more seasons with Marchand on the roster.
“Getting new gloves is a process,” he stated. “I’m beginning to break in my new gloves this year, planning ahead for 3-4 years down the line. That’s just how it is.”
Hockey players are often known for their superstitions, and Brad Marchand fits that mold. The Bruins captain has a strong dislike for breaking in new gloves.
Nick Wass/Associated Press
Tax laws could hinder Canadian teams
An intriguing article by The Athletic’s Dan Robson discusses how Canadian tax regulations may significantly impact the ability of teams in the Great White North to compete for free agents.
The crux of the matter lies in the tax implications John Tavares faces concerning the $15 million signing bonus that accompanied his seven-year, $77 million contract with the Maple Leafs, signed in 2018.
Based on Robson’s findings, Tavares had expected to incur a lower tax rate on that $15 million bonus, citing “a provision in the US-Canada tax treaty that is typically leveraged by professional athletes.”
However, the Canada Revenue Agency contested this viewpoint, resulting in Tavares potentially facing an $8 million tax bill.
Tavares is currently disputing the CRA’s evaluation, and if he fails in his appeal and is required to pay the $8 million, this development could hinder Canadian teams’ efforts to attract players.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Young captain Keller embracing his role
The former Boston University star, Clayton Keller, is flourishing as the inaugural captain of the Utah Hockey Club. At just 26 years old, Keller has fully embraced his leadership position, as noted by coach Andre “The Bear” Tourigny.
“He’s a young captain. However, I must say it took several years to get to this point,” Tourigny stated. “About three years ago, when he and others joined the team, we began focusing on leadership and the areas they needed to enhance and be mindful of, aiming for them to become role models in the future and develop as leaders. Kells has truly made significant progress in his maturity over the last three years. Last year, we reached a stage where we thought, ‘OK, now we’re gearing up for captaincy.’”
Tourigny also shared his admiration for the Bruins.
“In my opinion, they possess perhaps the finest culture in the NHL. That’s how I view that organization,” he remarked. “They operate correctly; their leadership is outstanding, carried on from generation to generation. Their coach, Monty, is exceptional. They boast strong goaltending as well. Many players on that team have championship experience. Moreover, they are physically imposing and maintain a tight defense every year. They present numerous challenges.”
What could Rasmus Dahlin have been thinking during a recent Sabres practice when he struck teammate Peyton Krebs? Coaches encourage a competitive spirit among players, but there’s no justification for teammates to brawl. It’s even more troubling that Dahlin, who is Buffalo’s captain, initiated the altercation after Krebs accidentally hit him with a stick earlier in the practice. This was not a great moment for Dahlin, who later expressed regret about his actions in an interview with WIVB News 4. . . Quiz time: This past week, Alex Ovechkin achieved his 700th assist, joining just five other players in NHL history with at least 700 goals and 700 assists. Can you name the other five? (And remember, no Googling!) . . . If you haven’t watched the clips of Matt Poitras “chipping” in from the fringe on Thursday, do yourself a favor and look for it. “Oh, that pelt he took was insane,” commented Trent Frederic. “It seems like they were enjoying themselves. That’s hilarious—an 18th hole finish.” . . . Every time I spot Colorado defenseman Samuel Girard, I can’t help but remember Tommy Lee Jones (a.k.a. Samuel Gerard) demanding a “hard-target search of every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse, and doghouse” while hunting for Harrison Ford (a.k.a. Dr. Richard Kimble) in “The Fugitive.” . . . The Bruins will be playing their inaugural game in Utah on Saturday night, but it’s somewhat of a homecoming for a few members of the traveling party. Broadcast analysts and former Bruins, Andy Brickley (NESN) and Bob Beers (The Sports Hub), won the Turner Cup in 1996 as team members of the AHL’s Utah Grizzlies. Even though he participated in just 36 games, left winger Brickley tied for second on the team in scoring, recording 12 goals and 46 points. His roommate, defenseman Beers, amassed six goals and 36 points over 65 games. The Grizzlies, coached by former Bruin player and coach Butch Goring, triumphed in playoff series against Kansas City, Peoria, Las Vegas, and Orlando to capture the International Hockey League championship.
If we’re discussing the finest third jerseys…
In the NHL, the throwback jerseys of the Avalanche pay homage to the original Colorado Rockies (what a force Wilf Paiement was), while the Wild’s throwbacks celebrate the North Stars (you shone bright, Brian Bellows). . . The quiz answer includes Wayne Gretzky, Jaromir Jagr, Gordie Howe, Marcel Dionne, and Phil Esposito.
Jim McBride can be contacted at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on @globejimmcbride.
# From Rivalry to Legacy: How Phil Park Transformed His Relationship with Boston Bruins Fans
## The Early Rivalry: A Historical Perspective
Phil Park’s relationship with Boston Bruins fans has evolved significantly over the years. To understand this remarkable transformation, it’s essential to explore the history behind the rivalry that often defined his early career.
### The Boston Bruins: A Legacy of Excellence
The Bruins are one of the oldest and most successful franchises in the NHL, boasting a rich history filled with legendary players and iconic moments. Their fanbase is known for its unwavering loyalty and passionate support. For years, Phil Park, a player once on the opposing side, found himself at the center of intense rivalries with the Bruins.
### The Nature of Rivalry in Sports
Rivalries in sports often stem from competitive matchups, historical significance, and regional pride. In the case of Phil Park, his early years in the league were characterized by fierce battles on the ice, which fueled the animosity many Bruins fans felt toward him.
## Turning Points: Moments that Defined the Relationship
As the years progressed, several key events contributed to Phil Park’s transformation from a rival to a beloved figure among Boston Bruins fans.
### 1. The Game-Changer: A Memorable Playoff Series
One pivotal moment occurred during a heated playoff series between Park’s team and the Bruins. During one game, Park executed a breathtaking play that not only showcased his incredible skill but also demonstrated a newfound respect for the Bruins.
– **Impact on Fans**: The play left fans in awe and began to shift the perception of Park from an adversary to a talented athlete deserving of admiration.
### 2. Phil Park’s Community Engagement
Understanding the importance of community, Phil Park took steps to engage with Bruins fans off the ice. He began participating in charity events, youth hockey programs, and local community initiatives, building rapport with fans in a way that transcended the rink.
– **Benefits of Community Engagement**:
– **Fostering Relationships**: Park’s involvement helps bridge the gap between the players and the fans.
– **Creating Lasting Memories**: Fans appreciate players who give back, creating a legacy that extends beyond sports.
### 3. Social Media: A Platform for Connection
In today’s digital age, social media plays a crucial role in shaping athletes’ relationships with fans. Phil Park utilized platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share his journey, connect with fans, and express his appreciation for Boston’s support.
– **Tips for Athletes**:
– **Be Authentic**: Sharing personal stories and experiences can create a more genuine connection.
– **Engage Regularly**: Responding to fans’ messages and comments fosters a sense of community.
## Case Study: Phil Park’s Charity Event in Boston
### Event Overview
In an effort to strengthen his bond with Bruins fans, Phil Park organized a charity hockey game in Boston, inviting former players and local celebrities to join him.
| **Event Details** | |
|——————–|————————–|
| **Date** | January 15, 2023 |
| **Location** | TD Garden |
| **Beneficiary** | Boston Children’s Hospital |
| **Special Guests** | Bruins Alumni, Local Celebrities |
### The Impact of the Event
– **Community Involvement**: The charity game attracted thousands of fans, showcasing Park’s commitment to the Boston community.
– **Raising Funds**: The event raised over $100,000, demonstrating the power of sports to make a positive impact.
## The Evolution of Fan Perception
### From Rivalry to Respect
Phil Park’s journey from rivalry to legacy is a testament to the power of change. Fans who once viewed him with disdain began to appreciate his efforts, both on and off the ice.
– **Positive Media Coverage**: As Park’s relationship with Bruins fans improved, so did the media’s portrayal of him, highlighting his contributions and community involvement.
– **Fan Testimonials**: Many fans expressed their transformation in perception, sharing stories of how Park’s actions changed their feelings toward him.
### Building a Legacy
Phil Park’s legacy is rooted in his dedication to bridging the gap between rivalries and building relationships. His work in the community, combined with his on-ice contributions, has inspired a new generation of hockey fans.
## Practical Tips for Players to Build Relationships with Fans
For athletes looking to foster goodwill with their fanbase, consider the following strategies:
### 1. Engage in Community Service
Participate in local charity events and initiatives. This not only helps the community but also builds a positive image among fans.
### 2. Leverage Social Media
Use social media to share personal insights, respond to fan messages, and promote community events.
### 3. Host Meet-and-Greet Events
Organize events where fans can meet players, get autographs, and take photos. This creates lasting memories and builds a loyal fanbase.
### 4. Support Local Causes
Identify local causes that resonate with fans and get involved, whether through donations or participation. This demonstrates a commitment to the community.
## First-Hand Experience: Phil Park’s Journey
Phil Park himself has often reflected on his journey and the significant changes in his relationship with Bruins fans:
> “I never imagined that my career would come full circle in this way. At first, I felt like an outsider in Boston. But as I got to know the fans and the community, I realized how much they care about their team and the impact we can have together. It’s been an incredible journey.”
This sentiment resonates with many players looking to connect with their fanbase on a deeper level.
## Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Connection
Phil Park’s transformation from a rival to a beloved figure among Boston Bruins fans highlights the power of community, respect, and engagement. Through his actions, he has not only changed fan perceptions but also created a lasting legacy that embodies the spirit of sportsmanship. By understanding the dynamics of rivalry and actively working to foster connections, athletes can pave the way for a more inclusive and appreciative fan experience.
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This comprehensive exploration of Phil Park’s relationship with Boston Bruins fans illustrates the importance of community engagement, social media, and personal connections in transforming rivalries into legacies. The lessons drawn from this journey serve as a guide for athletes and fans alike, emphasizing the value of understanding and respect in the world of sports.
