Every jersey the Boston Bruins have retired
In TD Garden, these retired jersey numbers proudly hang, serving as an enduring tribute to the remarkable players who have left an indelible mark on both hockey and the Boston Bruins franchise.
These exceptional athletes have contributed not only to the game but also to their fans and future generations, ensuring their legacy will be cherished forever.
Let's take a closer look at the list of these revered numbers:
Eddie Shore #2
Considered the NHL's inaugural superstar, Eddie Shore's accomplishments speak for themselves. An eight-time all-star, four-time Hart Trophy winner, and two-time Stanley Cup Champion, he rightfully earned his place in the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.
Lionel Hitchman #3
Playing alongside Shore, Lionel Hitchman played a crucial role as the top defensive defenseman for some of the greatest Bruins teams in history. His strong presence on the ice led to a second-place finish in the Hart Trophy voting during the 1929-30 season, and he also captained the Stanley Cup Champion Bruins in 1929.
Bobby Orr #4
No one can dispute Bobby Orr's status as the greatest defenseman of all time. He completely revolutionized the position, earning an astonishing array of accolades, including three Hart Trophies, two Art Ross Trophies (the only defenseman to achieve this feat twice), eight consecutive Norris Trophies, and nine All-Star appearances. His impact on the game is immeasurable.
Aubrey Clapper #5
Aubrey Clapper's career in Boston showcased remarkable endurance and versatility. Starting as a right wing, he dedicated nine seasons to the position before transitioning to become a defenseman for the subsequent eleven seasons. Earning All-Star appearances in both roles and achieving Stanley Cup victories in three different decades (1929, 1939, and 1941), Clapper's contributions were truly exceptional.
Phil Esposito #7
Known as "Espo," Phil Esposito rightfully earned his place as one of the greatest scorers in NHL history. He was the first player ever to record a 100-point season, accomplishing this feat six times in his career.
With two Hart Trophies and five Art Ross Trophies to his name, Esposito's illustrious career also included two Stanley Cup victories in Boston during 1970 and 1972. His record-setting 76-goal campaign in the 1970-71 season remained unmatched for 12 years until Wayne Gretzky surpassed it in 1981-82.
Cam Neely #8
Now recognized as the team president, Cam Neely was a pivotal figure in popularizing the term 'power forward' during the 1970s. With four All-Star appearances and three 50-goal seasons, Neely's legacy also includes being Boston's all-time leader in playoff goals. His outstanding career was acknowledged with an induction into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 2005.
Johnny Bucyk #9
Leading Boston's all-time goal-scoring chart, Johnny Bucyk captained the team for five seasons and secured two Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972. Earning two All-Star selections and claiming two Lady Byng trophies for his sportsmanship and conduct on the ice, Bucyk's exceptional career earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.
Milton Schmidt #15
Milton Schmidt epitomized the hockey renaissance man, playing multiple roles as a player, captain, coach, and general manager for the Bruins. His playing career saw two Stanley Cups in 1939 and 1941, and as a GM, he added two more in 1970 and 1972. Centering the legendary "Kraut Line," Schmidt earned a Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and four All-Star appearances. His dedication to hockey was further evident as he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942-1945. He was rightfully inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.
Terry O'Reilly #24
Terry O'Reilly's impact on the Bruins extended beyond his scoring ability and into his leadership skills. He was among the exclusive group of only five players in Bruins history to lead the team in both points and penalty minutes during a single season, showcasing his versatility on the ice. O'Reilly served as the team captain from 1983 to 1985 and later as coach from 1986 to 1989, guiding the team to the Stanley Cup finals in 1988.
Ray Bourque #77
Ray Bourque's résumé is truly unparalleled, with few NHL players coming close to matching his achievements. He kicked off his career with a Calder Trophy win in his rookie season and went on to collect an impressive five Norris Trophies during his remarkable 21 seasons with Boston.
As he concluded his illustrious career, Bourque stood as Boston's all-time leader in games played, assists, and points, solidifying his status as the all-time leading scorer among defensemen. His contributions to the sport were rightfully recognized with an induction into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
Rich Middleton #16
Rich Middleton left an indelible mark as one of the finest scorers in Bruins history, leading the team in points from 1978 to 1982 and holding the title of the team's leading goal scorer for six consecutive years. His skill on the ice earned him more than 100 points twice and the Lady Byng trophy during the 1981-82 season, along with a second-team All-Star appearance.
Willie O'Ree #22
Willie O'Ree made history as the first African-American to play in the NHL, paving the way for future generations. During the 1957-58 season, he scored 14 points in 45 games for the Bruins, etching his name in the league's history books. Recognizing his significant contributions, he was later appointed as the NHL's diversity ambassador in 1998.
O'Ree's dedication and impact on the sport were further acknowledged with the NHL's Lester Patrick Trophy in 2003 and the prestigious Order of Canada in 2008. In a well-deserved honor, he was inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2018.
Source: 985thesportshub
| POLL | ||
Do you believe the retired numbers of these players at TD Garden are a fitting tribute to their remarkable contributions to the sport and the Boston Bruins franchise? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 97.1 % |
| No | 1 | 2.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
