How NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Felt About Bruins Centennial Celebration

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins welcomed back several of the franchise’s legends to TD Garden for their centennial game Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Bruins also had another special guest in attendance in NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

It was Bettman’s third time seeing a centennial celebration take place — the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs are the only other two NHL franchises to experience one — and he applauded the Bruins for how they honored their illustrious past in a meaningful pregame ceremony.

“I think the pregame ceremony was terrific,” Bettman said. “When you think about all the activities that were conducted honoring prior captains, prior players, the fans — showing how well-connected this team is to the community. It was a remarkable year, but this a remarkable franchise.

“One hundred years old. First U.S.-based franchise. It’s been under the same ownership for about half of its duration. So everything that went on here for the Bruins is a testament both to the organization and to the amazing fans. Boston has great sports fans, but I don’t think any of the sports fans are better than the hockey fans. This is just a great hockey community.”

Boston’s first game a century ago came against the Montreal Maroons — a win for the Black and Gold. And it only seemed fitting that the longtime rivals would square off once again in a historic contest for the Bruins.

“I think they announced it and I think it’s correct that they played more games against each other than any other teams,” Bettman said. “It’s a testament to what our history represents. The authenticity of our game, the respect that we have for history and traditions and this is one of the great rivalries in all of sports.”