BOSTON (WHDH) - The Boston Bruins made a holiday assist on Wednesday.
The team took a break from the ice to visit hospitals across the area where they signed autographs and handed out gifts.
“It’s very special,” Bruins center Patrice Bergeron said. “It means a lot to us and we’re happy to be here.”
Bruins players fanned out across six local hospitals, including the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center.
“They laughed at our costumes and our funny hats, and that’s kind of the point,” Bergeron said. “You want to create a good reaction that way.”
The Bruins are used to being away from home for part of the holiday season.
But for these kids and their parents, spending time in the hospital can be a scary experience.
“Not exactly how we intended to spend our Christmas season, getting ready and stuff like that, so we’ll be very happy if we’re out of here before Christmas,” said Jeffrey Liddle, who was staying at the hospital with his infant son.
Four-year-old Harper Reis was diagnosed with leukemia the day after Thanksgiving.
Her father says she watches the Bruins games with him and she got an autograph from Bergeron, her favorite player.
“It means a lot just that they take the time out of their busy lives just to come here and make some kids happy,” said Harper’s father, Jeffrey. “That puts a smile on their face and also mine.”
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