From the Office of Senator Kerry

Tuesday, June 26, 2001

I would like to recognize and celebrate the career of one of New England's most beloved sports figures, Raymond Bourque, who announced his retirement today.

Over the course of a twenty-two year career in the National Hockey League this future Hall-of-Famer set the standard for all athletes -- playing with determination, grit, and above all, class.

He came down from Canada as a teenager to play for our beloved Boston Bruins, earning Rookie of the Year honors for that first 979-80 season. Many make a big splash their first year, but Ray proved to be more marathon than sprint. Through perseverance and a deep dedication to his craft, he played his way into the hearts of sports fans across the region and throughout the league. For over twenty years - bridging four decades - he was the foundation upon which the Bruins built their teams and chased the dream of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Boston.

The statistics speak for themselves: the highest scoring defenseman in league history; a 19-time All Star; and a 5-time Norris Trophy winner as the leagues best defenseman.

But it was more than goals, assists, and legendary defense that won him such tremendous admiration from Boston fans - it was his performance off the ice.

December 3, 1987 is a day that remains on the top shelf of Boston sports folklore next to Fisk's Homer, Havlicek's steal, and Orr's flying goal. That day Bruin Hall-of-Famer Phil Esposito's number 7 was retired and raised to the rafters of the old Boston Garden. Ray Bourque also wore Number 7 and most believed he would continue to wear his number for the remainder of his career. That night Ray touched generations of fans and non-fans alike by skating over to Esposito and removing his Number 7 jersey to reveal a new #77 that he was to wear for the rest of his illustrious career. He handed the 7 jersey to a stunned and emotional Esposito and said "This is your's big fella. It never should have been mine."

The Stanley cup was the one thing that was missing during his years in Boston that continued to elude him and his teammates. In fact, Ray had the most career games without winning a Stanley Cup - 1,825. However, that distinction did not diminish him in the eyes of his fans or teammates - the teammates that were proud to call him Captain - it only made them all want to give Ray one last opportunity to prevail. With that in mind, Boston gave Ray his leave and he set his sights on his final goal and joined the Colorado Avalanche.

Even after Ray left the Bruins in the midst of the 2000 season in search of that elusive Stanley Cup - the Boston fans never left him. His new Colorado team immediately recognized his value as not only a player but also a leader by making him Assistant Captain upon his arrival. And when he finally raised the Cup over his head in triumph all of New England cheered for him. In fact, in an unprecedented show of support for another team's victory, over 15,000 Bourque and Boston fans joined in celebration on Boston's City Hall Plaza when Ray brought home the Stanley Cup earlier this month.

Today we learned that Ray Bourque has laced up for the final time –he will retire and come home to Massachusetts to be with his wife Christiane and their three children, Melissa, Christopher, and Ryan.

He will watch his eldest son, 15 year-old Christopher, as he plays hockey at a new school. And Christopher, as well as all of our young children, could not have a better role model - not just in hockey but in life. If Ray's career were only measured in numbers he would be an automatic Hall-of-Famer - but when you take the full measure of the man - he has shown to be one of those few athletes who transcends sports.

We are happy for his success, appreciative of his years with the Bruins, and proud to have him back home in Massachusetts.