Home / Sports / Beloved Bruins Star Marchand Receives Emotional Homecoming in Boston
Beloved Bruins Star Marchand Receives Emotional Homecoming in Boston
22 Oct
Summary
- Marchand, former Bruins captain, received standing ovation in first game back as Panthers player
- Marchand helped Florida win back-to-back championships, while Bruins struggled
- Marchand remains in Bruins' top 10 for goals, assists, and other records
On October 22nd, 2025, the Boston Bruins hosted the Florida Panthers in a highly anticipated matchup, as former Bruins captain Brad Marchand made his return to the TD Garden as a visiting player. Marchand, known as the "Little Ball of Hate," was given a rousing standing ovation by the Boston crowd, with both teams and even the officials joining in the applause.
Marchand, who was traded to the Panthers last season, helped the team complete its pursuit of back-to-back championships, while the Bruins struggled and plummeted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Despite the trade, Marchand remains one of the most beloved Bruins players, ranking in the top 10 for the franchise in several categories, including goals, assists, short-handed and overtime goals, and playoff points.
The emotional moment came during a commercial break in the first period, as the scoreboard showed a highlight reel of Marchand's time in Boston, including his Stanley Cup-winning season. Fans wearing both Bruins and Panthers jerseys cheered for the former captain, who tapped his heart and waved to the crowd in a bittersweet farewell.
