Brad Marchand Shares the Lessons Ray Bourque Taught Him

Published March 20, 2023 at 7:38
BY DORIN CANADAY

Brad Marchand is a pest on the ice but he's also known as one of the most respected players off of it, and it's all thanks to a Bruins' legend.

Marchand didn't always view things this way. But Hall of Famer Ray Bourque once passed along advice about what it takes to be an NHL star.

A Moment Marchand Will Never Forget



Marchand shared the following story with Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com of when Bourque pulled a 19-year-old Marchand aside:


''I'll never forget what he said to me ... I've come back to it a lot.''

‘'It's very easy ... to forget where you're at, forget how fortunate we are, how lucky we are to be in the position we're in, to be living our dreams and living other people's dreams. You kind of take it for granted at times.''

This occurred after Marchand's infamous run-in with a fan in January of last year. When the veteran stole the youngster's phone which turned into a viral video (see below):


As we all know, Marchand has a massive personality on and off the ice, and a guy who's never shied away from interacting with fans.

That's one most important lessons that Bourque taught Marchand that day:

‘'He said every kid that wants an autograph, every kid that approaches you or wants to talk to you, just remember to enjoy it, don't take it for granted. Enjoy those moments because when you retire, nobody cares anymore. Nobody cares about what you've done or who you are. You're not relevant; essentially, it's always the new players that are in the league, the superstars that are in the league at that point that they care about. People forget pretty quick.''

''I think it just keeps you grounded, keeps you humble, and makes you understand how fortunate, again, that we are. That's coming from one of the best players to have ever played the game. When he's talking like that, it hits home. So I thought that was good advice to learn at a young age.''

It's amazing to think that someone as incredible as Marchand was taught the ropes by a Bruins Legend. While also knowing Marchy is likely taking those same lessons and teaching them to the young Bruins coming up.

As read on NHL.com - Marchand cell phone fun with fan inspired by Bruins legend Bourque
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Brad Marchand Shares the Lessons Ray Bourque Taught Him

Besides Marchand, which Bruin is the biggest personality?

DeBrusk194.9 %
Pastrnak27972.1 %
Ullmark/Swayman duo8120.9 %
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