Westfield firefighter Ray Neilsen stands alongside his children, from left to right, Mikey, Katie, and Jake; and fellow firefighter Chris King, and King’s two sons, Sawyer and Aidan, to promote this Sunday’s charity game against the Black and Gold Legends at Amelia Park. Game time is 5 p.m. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The Boston Bruins are the defending NHL champs, winners of the 2010-11 Stanley Cup. They are the current leaders of the Northeast Conference with a 25-10-1 record. The good times are still rolling.
What better way to share in the non-stop celebration that is the Boston Bruins by rooting on some former legends.
This Sunday, former Bruins stars, known as the Black and Gold Legends, will play the Westfield Fire Department’s Local Union 1111 in a charity hockey game to benefit the “Save A Life” program at Amelia Park. The event, which begins at 5 p.m., is free to the public. Donations will be accepted.
“It’s a chance for everybody to come out and see some Bruins legends of the past and donate to a charitable cause,” said Westfield firefighter/EMTI Ray Neilsen, event co-ordinator. Neilsen is the SAFE program co-ordinator and a member of the department’s local union.
Former Bruins expected to take the ice for the Black and Gold Legends include: Frank Simonetti, Don Marcotte, Steve Rooney, Andy Brickley, Bob Beers, Mike Lalor, Quinton Brickley, Dan Hodge, and Mike Boccuzi.
But it does not matter which player dons the black and yellow jersey for the Legends Sunday.
“It’s exciting. It’s special to get to play some retired Bruins,” said Westfield firefighter Chris King, who is serving as the team’s captain.
“I don’t want to divulge any of our secrets,” he said with a wry smile on his face. “I think it’s going to be a close competition. It’s going to be a good time.”
Westfield Youth Hockey League players are expected to accompany the Black and Gold Legends out onto center ice during pre-game introductions. Local singer Julia Busselli will sing the national anthem. City officials will have a hand in the puck drop. The National Honor Guard will be present, and a bagpipe performance will be given.
There will also be raffles, autographed memorabilia up for grabs, and Westfield Fire Department’s firehouse chili for sale.
Also, a special presentation will feature AHL Hall of Famer Jimmy Anderson pouring some TD Garden water on center ice prior to the game.
Note: There are a few remaining openings for a youth hockey clinic, which will take place prior to the game from 4-4:45 p.m. Marcotte, some Saint Mary’s High School players, and King will run the clinic. For details, contact Amelia Park Ice Arena. …The Westfield Firemen’s Association roster consists of Eric Schnopp, Pat Scanlon, Chris Bard, Chrissy Humason, Seth Ellis, Nick Gezotis, Christian Gezotis, Scott Bullock, Skyler Wiemokly, Shaun Trant, Dave Kennedy, Craig Schacher, Jacques Blanchett, and our very own Patrick Berry, Westfield News Group publisher.
