Boston Bruins players traded their jerseys for superhero costumes on Wednesday, visiting young patients at local hospitals as part of their annual Halloween tradition. The team aimed to bring joy and normalcy to children facing tough times. Players interacted with kids through high-fives, hugs, and photos at Mass General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital.
The Boston Bruins embraced the Halloween spirit by dressing as superheroes during their annual visit to Boston-area hospitals on Wednesday. At Mass General Hospital, goalie Jeremy Swayman donned a Batman costume, forward Fraser Minten went as Robin, forward Mark Kastelic as the Incredible Hulk, forward John Beecher as Captain America, and forward Sean Kuraly as Superman. The group, forming their own Avengers squad, spent time with young patients, flexing muscles in videos, exchanging high-fives and hugs, and creating memorable moments.
Defensemen Mason Lohrei, also as Batman, and Andrew Peeke, as Superman, visited Boston Children’s Hospital. There, they posed for pictures with staff and patients, handed out gift bags, and left signed posters while chatting floor to floor.
Swayman highlighted the event's impact, saying, “It is one I circle on the calendar. It is such a humbling feeling being able to come here. This incredible hospital, the staff and obviously the people in here are just all world-class humans. It is one that’s never going to get old.” He added, “The kids in here are the real heroes. Being able to connect with them, seeing their passion for life and just genuine happiness is something we can all reflect on. Whatever we can do, a small part to help their day be brighter, is a true privilege.”
Kuraly, embracing his Superman role, noted the tradition's value: “It is something that this organization has done for a long time. It is a fun tradition, I think we have to come here and spend a little bit of an afternoon trying to spread some joy, see some kids. We’re a team, and being on a team is all about helping each other. This is just another way to do that and kind of spread what we do inside the team to the community.”
Child life specialist Lili Ridout at Massachusetts General Hospital emphasized the visits' benefits: “The hospital can be a very scary place for children, but getting to see their favorite athletes dressed up as superheroes and costumes, it can just bring a really happy moment in times of stress and hardship.” She added, “One of the biggest honors of my job is that I get to sit with my patients and families in the hardest of days and the best of days. This is just another opportunity to be there during the highs, which we may not always get to see. For me, it makes it worth it. It makes it worth it to see our patients have a big smile on their face.”