For over a century, hockey fans have in some fashion, been able to watch their Boston Bruins team play in the National Hockey League. In 1924 the Bruins were the first American franchise by signing on to become a member of the elite Original Six. Now a full century later they commemorate the anniversary, having hoisted the elusive Stanley Cup six times over those years, in a league that now is made up of 32 NHL teams. This informative and totally interesting book tells the many stories of grit, passion, heart and tradition. The stories and pictures from those years, outline the blood, sweat, and tears that were needed for them to become Stanley Cup champions a half-dozen times. The Boston Bruins’ heritage is still one that allows each and every player who pulls on a Bruins jersey, to feel the pride and honor of being a member of the Black and Gold.
Authors Richard A. Johnson, who has served as Curator of The Sports Museum in Boston for over forty years, is a solid source of information. The Massachusetts native has had a hand in the creation of two-dozen books, among them the coverage of all four major pro sports teams, and a number of them that covered landmarks as the Boston Garden, Fenway Park, and the running of the Boston Marathon. Mr. Johnson was joined by Rusty Sullivan, the Executive Director of The Sports Museum, a position he has filled for almost two decades. Sullivan is a Yale University graduate who has also authored several books, one in particular receiving critical acclaim…Rocky Marciano: The Rock of His Times,” and he also produced many documentaries, most notably – Impossible to Forget: The Story of the’67 Boston Red Sox, Sullivan was the perfect partner, as he and Johnson combined to create this wonderfully entertaining 320-page read.
Boston Bruins owner and Chairman of Delaware North, Jeremy M. Jacobs penned the heartfelt Foreword for this book, and he clearly defines what the team means to him, and to the people of Boston. Mr. Jacobs’ son Charlie is the CEO and alternate governor, Boston Bruins and TD Garden, and in the Afterword, he expressed the pleasure and honor of being the CEO at this monumental juncture, Also covering the fact that the Bruins are not just a hockey team, but are also a big part of the community, and takes pride in his building of The Boston Bruins Foundation, which in 20 years has raised $54 million to assist charitable organizations.
The ‘Contents’ section includes 11 separate eras, beginning with the 1920s (Founding Fathers), 1930s (Old-Time Hockey), 1940s (Dynasty Dashed), 1950s (A Flagship Franchise), 1960s (The Rise of the Big Bad Bruins), 1970s (Cups & Lunch Pails), 1980s (Standards of Excellence), 1990s (Hello Goodbye), 2000s (A Black & Gold Reboot), 2010s (Return to Glory), 2020s (Something Special). Readers get background information on players via photos, newspaper clips, all the way back to the beginning. Publisher Triumph Books’ very accurate description, describes Blood Sweat & 100 Years as “a visually stunning retrospective featuring hundreds of archival images and vivid, in-depth writing, that tells the stories behind many iconic moments, the legendary players and people, and so much more. Those players include retired numbers: Lionel Hitchman #3 (1925-34) – a true defensive defenseman who was also named a Hart Trophy winner on four occasions, and winner of the Stanley Cup twice. Aubrey “Dit” Clapper #5 (1927-47) – A right-winger who performed at that position for nine years, and then switched to defense for 11 more seasons, earning three Stanley Cups. Milton C. Schmidt #15 (1936-55) – Serving as player, captain, coach and general manager for Boston, he won four Stanley Cups, two as a player and two more as GM, along with a Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy. Eddie Shore #2 (1926-40) – One of the most feared players in the NHL and a major drawing card, he was named an all-star eight times, earned four Hart Trophies, and two Stanley Cups. In later years, the addition of Willie E. O’Ree #22 (1957-58/1960-61) – First African-American to play in the NHL, two tours with Boston, playing in 45 games and scoring 14 points. John P. Bucyk #9 (1957-78) – Two Stanley Cup Championships, two Lady Byng trophies, and still leading the Boston franchise in multiple records. Robert G. Orr #4 (1966-76) – Greatest NHL defenseman ever, winner of three Hart Trophies, two Art Ross Trophies, eight Norris Trophies, to go with his two Stanley Cups in just ten seasons. Philip A. Esposito #7 (1967-75) – Easily one of the greatest scorers in the NHL, he was the first player to have a 100-point season (six times), and scored over 1,000 points with the Bruins, won two Stanley Cups, five Art Ross Trophies, and two Hart Trophies. Plus coverage of Terry O’Reilly #24 (1972-85), Ray Bourque #77 (1972-2000), Rick Middleton #16 (1976-88) and Cam Neely #8 (1976-88).