Boston Bruins Will Lock Arms For Anthems

Boston Bruins players once again recognized the ongoing movement for racial equality Tuesday by announcing that, starting Thursday with their exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they will lock arms in unity for the ‘Black Community’ during both the Canadian and American national anthems.

A statement from the Boston Bruins players: pic.twitter.com/Ge10yy8y7q

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 28, 2020

This is not the first time the Boston Bruins or their players have done something in support of the fight against racism but unlike in past statements, they did not mention Black Lives Matter.

This past spring, Bruins veteran Patrice Bergeron donated $50,000 to causes in support of social justice. Among the donations was a $25,000 one to the Boston chapter of the NAACP.

“The murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed, made me realize that by not speaking up on the matter, and not using my voice as a professional athlete, it’s in fact allowing racism to fester and continue. Silence is not an option for me anymore,” Bergeron said recently.

Captain Zdeno Chara, meanwhile, was seen marching in protests in the Boston area shortly after the brutal murder of George Floyd. Chara also wrote a heartfelt message on his Instagram issuing his personal support for the cause.

“For the last 13 days, I have been sick about George Floyd’s murder,” Chara wrote at the time. “I have taken time to think and listen. Time to find bravery and time to try to find the right words, though I’ll admit I’m still struggling.

First thing is first, and let me be clear. I stand with the Black Community. Black Lives Matter. There is no room in this world for racism. Period.”

Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney then applauded his players for their actions and their words.

“You know I was reading articles this morning on Anson Carter and a couple of the players I played with that getting involved. …you know Trevor Daley having a higher profile. …I applaud each and every player for their individual efforts and support them, they have the complete backing of the Boston Bruins” Sweeney said on June 12.

“If our players want to be more socially available to comment in that regard and voice their opinions and, in Zdeno Chara’s case, support a protest and march with people, I applaud their efforts. It’s a testament to their leadership, not as hockey players, but as human beings and family men and people that know that they have to listen and allow this to resonate.”