Brad Marchand Shares the Lessons Ray Bourque Taught Him
PUBLICATION
Dorin Canaday
March 20, 2023 (7:38)
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
POLL |
Besides Marchand, which Bruin is the biggest personality? |
DeBrusk | 19 | 4.9 % |
Pastrnak | 279 | 72.1 % |
Ullmark/Swayman duo | 81 | 20.9 % |
Connor Clifton | 8 | 2.1 % |
List of polls |
|
43 minutes ago | By Austin Sabourin Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery is at a loss of words over recent loss to the Ottawa Senators |
|
1 hour ago | By Austin Sabourin Brad Marchand calls out the Bruins and believes they need to make this big change |
|
3 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Elliotte Friedman just confirmed whether or not a trade for the Bruins is coming |
|
4 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Boston Bruins top UFA set to be traded according to multiple insiders |
|
15 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Emotions run high as ex-Bruin Linus Ullmark reveals how he felt as he returned to Boston |
|
18 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Boston Bruins paid a touching tribute to Linus Ullmark in return to TD Garden |
|
19 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Video: Wholesome moment between Ullmark and Swayman caught on camera before puck drop |
|
20 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Perfect opportunity for the Bruins: Former first-round pick placed on waivers by the Nashville Predators |
Previously on Bruins Insider