Boston Bruins Celebrate Hockey is for Everyone at TD Garden

The Bruins had an honorary lineup join them on the ice ahead of puck drop against the Columbus Blue Jackets Sunday night.

The Boston Bruins had some special guests join them on the ice ahead of Sunday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in which they won 3-1.

As part of ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ night at TD Garden, the B’s brought out an honorary lineup with six players that represented different facets of the sport including sled, deaf, blind, LGBTQIA+, women’s and special hockey.

The participants – Logan Anketell (Spaulding Sledgehogs), Ryder Simmons (Belmont Marauders), Giovan Pascal (East Coast Jumbos), Gianna Griffith (PLNR Tanners), Corwin Dickson (Boston Pride) and Fiona Landy (Lewiston, ME high school) – stood with the Bruins for the national anthem.

“Really special getting to see those kids come out on the ice tonight, seeing the smiles on their faces and having some dreams come true,” Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman said Sunday.

“But they’ve got to know that they’re an inspiration for us too. We support everyone that’s playing hockey around the world, no matter what level. Really special to keep growing that game.”

Multiple Bruins also sported rainbow pride tape on their sticks during warmups. Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Charlie Coyle, James van Riemsdyk and Swayman were among that group of players.

The NHL rescinded its ban on pride tape Oct. 24 following the league’s initial memo to teams that the rainbow tape would not be allowed this season. The change came after Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott went against the ban on Oct. 21 and wrapped the top of his stick with pride tape. The NHL, players’ union and a committee on inclusion soon after revised the rule.

During the game, the Boston Bruins Foundation held an online auction to raise money for Boston Pride Hockey – New England’s first LGBTQIA+ and ally-friendly hockey club. The Bruins auctioned off autographed and team-issued pride tape sticks.

“Just gives you an extra edge to understand that hockey is more than a game and there’s people that are playing it all over the world for different reasons,” Swayman said. “We’re inclusive and I think that’s what hockey players are proud to be and we will continue to be that.”