Bruins’ Brad Marchand Gives Gift To Hometown Fans Before 4 Nations Game

BOSTON — Even though TD Garden is the home of the Bruins, the traditional Spoked-B at the center ice has been temporarily replaced with the 4 Nations Face-Off logo.

That wasn’t the only change in Boston on Monday afternoon as Team Canada prepared to battle Finland in its final game of round-robin play. Brad Marchand was wearing Canada’s red and white jersey with the Maple Leaf across the chest instead of the Bruins’ black and gold.

During warmups, Marchand noticed a group of fans gathered behind the Canadians’ bench and flipped a puck over the glass. Ironically, the fans were not from Boston but from Marchand’s native Nova Scotia.

The sign read, “Gas from Nova Scotia: $1,029 Tickets: $387 Hotel room: $963 Getting a puck from you guys: Priceless.”

The Bruins captain undoubtedly made their day.

Marchand is one of three players from Halifax, Nova Scotia, who are representing Team Canada in the 4 Nations tournament. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Colorada Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon also hail from the Province’s capital.

The Bruins forward wasn’t sure how he would be received as a member of Team Canada while playing in Boston. However, he received a thunderous ovation from the TD Garden crowd when he was announced in Canada’s starting lineup against Finland. Marchand even heard cheers in Montreal when he scored a goal against Sweden at the Bell Centre in the opening game of the tournament last Wednesday.

Marchand may hear some boos from the Black and Gold faithful if Canada advances to face Team USA in the championship game Thursday night.