BOSTON – Matt Grzelcyk called it one of the highlights of his career.
Following a game in 2018, with Willie O’Ree in town to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his history NHL debut, the Charlestown native and his father, John, had quite a surprise for the Hockey Hall of Famer.
The elder Grzelcyk, who has worked on Causeway Street as a member of the Bull Gang for over 50 years, had been holding onto a vintage Bruins jersey for years after it was given to him by a co-worker at the old Boston Garden. The sweater, he learned years later, happened to be O’Ree’s No. 22.
So, with O’Ree set to visit with the Bruins dressing room following their game against the Montreal Canadiens, the Grzelcyks decided it was time to return the jersey to its rightful owner.
“It’s obviously extremely special,” said Grzelcyk. “Such a nice man. And what he’s done for the game has meant so much, especially here in Boston…growing up here, getting the chance to know his story and present him with that jersey was probably one of the highlights of my career so far.”
O’Ree was shocked when John Grzelcyk unveiled the vintage black sweater with gold and white stripes and went on to tell them that he never had the chance to save one of his Bruins jerseys before he was traded to Montreal in 1961.
“First time I actually met him was when I gave him the jersey that we had,” said Grzelcyk. “I don’t know the whole backstory, but I think my dad got the jersey from an old equipment trainer. And we didn’t know that he actually never got a jersey when he got traded from the Bruins.
“So, just to see that look in his face – he hadn’t seen his actual jersey since the day he was traded. That was a pretty cool moment that I got to share with my dad as well…something I don’t take for granted.”
Video: Grzelcyk Family Surprises Willie O’Ree With Gift
Sixty-four years becoming the NHL’s first Black player, O’Ree’s No. 22 jersey will take its rightful place in the TD Garden rafters on Tuesday night before the Bruins take on the Carolina Hurricanes. The 86-year-old will become the 12th player in Bruins history to have his number retired, joining Eddie Shore, Lionel Hitchman, Bobby Orr, Dit Clapper, Phil Esposito, Cam Neely, Johnny Bucyk, Milt Schmidt, Rick Middleton, Terry O’Reilly, and Ray Bourque.
“Well, I think it’s a great honor for Willie,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. “Always enjoy talking to him. It’s unfortunate with the Covid times, he’s not able to be here in person because I think it’s always a great opportunity to just chat and catch up. So good for Willie – trailblazer, to say the least. And very happy for him and his family. I think the whole Bruins organization is looking forward to it.”
While O’Ree will be unable to attend the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bruins made sure to meet with him virtually following Monday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron and alternate captains Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak presented O’Ree with some special gifts, including a customized fedora hat with his No. 22 banner and a retro Spoked-B emblazoned on the inside.
“Making the best of a situation here,” said Cassidy. “I think that the team did a good job …I think we’re getting used to a little bit of this impersonal sort of touch through COVID, doing the best you can. But obviously we’d love to have him here.
“In the past he has come to practice with different groups and it’s always good to catch up. He’s got lots of stories, always interesting to talk to. I think everyone’s doing their part to do the best they can, and I think it will be a special moment no matter what.”
Cassidy added that it’s important for the Bruins – from the organization to the coaches to the players to the fans – to continue to acknowledge the impact that O’Ree has had on the sport and so many young people with dreams of playing the game they love at the highest level.
“We don’t know what he had to endure…through fans or even teammates or staff or anything like that, fellow players,” said Cassidy. “And to keep being resilient, play through it and find his way to the National Hockey League, including his health, right? I mean, he had an eye injury that probably no one knew about for himself. So, a lot of adversity for him to go through. Like a Jackie Robinson and different people that were first in line to fight through certain situations.
“I think our guys have a ton of respect for that. So that would be my word. Willie, thank you. Thank you for paving the way for a lot of young men to sort of emulate you, look up to you and probably give them sort of a goal to achieve to make the National Hockey League or just be a professional player or hockey player in general.”
Video: Willie O’ree is Honored by Management and Players
Grzelcyk Returns
Grzelcyk, who missed the last two games while in COVID-19 protocol, said he was asymptomatic and is looking forward to being back in the lineup on Tuesday night.
“Yep, feeling good,” said Grzelcyk. “No symptoms over the last few days, so nice to get a little pregame skate before and just ready to be back.”
Connor Clifton also returned from COVID-19 protocol on Monday and is expected to return to the lineup, though Mike Reilly landed on the list on Tuesday afternoon and will not play against the Hurricanes. Urho Vaakanainen, who has impressed during his stint with the big club, will be likely remain in the lineup.
Video: Matt Grzelcyk Has High Remarks For Willie O’ree
Opposing View
The Hurricanes enter Tuesday night’s contest having dropped two of three, though they’ve played just four games in the last 17 days, due in part to COVID-19 issues affecting the schedule. Nevertheless, Carolina (25-8-2, 52 points) stills sits just two points back of the New York Rangers for the top spot in the Metro Division – with four games in hand.
“I didn’t mind our game that day,” Cassidy said of the B’s 3-0 loss in Carolina back in October, the only meeting between the teams so far this season. “I thought we were very physical, tried to compete hard, get inside. Didn’t translate on the scoresheet…I thought it was a close game than what the score ended up. Certainly we’ve improved since then offensively, our finish.
“Let’s see how far we’ve come. They obviously continue to be a good team, top of the division over there on their side. A good test for us.”
Carolina defenseman Jaccob Slavin is expected to be back in the lineup on Tuesday night after returning from COVID-19 protocol on Monday. Forward Martin Necas, meanwhile, entered into protocol and will not play.
Sebastian Aho paces the Hurricanes with 38 points and 16 goals in 32 games.
Video: Cassidy Has High Remarks On Willie O’ree
Wait, There’s More
- Tuukka Rask will make the start between the pipes, his second since returning to the Bruins last week.
- The Bruins held an optional pregame skate on Tuesday morning in an effort to help guard against fatigue with the schedule ramping up. “Maybe if the schedule is different, we would have all went out there this morning,” said Cassidy. “But I think you have to limit the players to try to give them the option.”
- Cassidy said that he believes most of the Bruins have received their COVID-19 booster shots. “Not all of them, Kevin. I did ask that the other day,” said Cassidy. “I’d say most. I can’t give you an exact number, but there are some that aren’t. So, I can’t say it’s 100% boosted. But they told me the majority were OK.”
Video: Willie O’Ree to have number retired before BOS v. CAR
Tuesday’s Projected Lineup
FORWARDS
Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – Craig Smith
Taylor Hall – Erik Haula – David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk – Charlie Coyle – Oskar Steen
Anton Blidh – Tomas Nosek – Curtis Lazar
DEFENSEMEN
Matt Grzelcyk – Charlie McAvoy
Urho Vaakanainen – Brandon Carlo
Derek Forbort – Connor Clifton
GOALIES
Tuukka Rask
Linus Ullmark
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