Bruins honor Maine mass shooting victims with Lewiston Strong jersey
The Boston Bruins honored the victims of the mass shooting in Maine with a commemorative jersey before their game on Thursday night against the Anaheim Ducks.
The black jersey was hung up on the glass behind the home bench by goalie Jeremy Swayman, a University of Maine alum, and read “Lewiston Strong” with the number 207, representing the area code of Maine.
“Lewiston is in our hearts,” the Bruins X account wrote with two heart emojis.
The team also wore Maine stickers on the back of their helmets for Wednesday’s game.
The Bruins announced Thursday that they will be helping those affected by the shooting that has killed at least 18 people in Lewiston, which is 137 miles north of Boston.
The team said it will be donating at least $100,000 and will also be auctioning off player-signed hockey sticks that benefit victims’ families.
“The Boston Bruins and the Boston Bruins Foundation are heartbroken by the tragic and horrifying events in Lewiston, Maine, on October 25,” the Bruins said on a fundraising page. “Maine is a special part of the Bruins family and our hearts are with those affected by this terrible tragedy. In that spirit, the Boston Bruins Foundation is pledging a minimum of $100,000 to those affected by these horrific events in Lewiston.”
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, who played his college hockey at the University of Maine, spoke about the shooting on Wednesday.
Everything we know about the Maine mass shooting
At least 18 people are dead and over a dozen injured after a gunman opened fire at two separate locations in Lewiston, Maine.
Police identified the possible suspect as Robert Card, 40, and believe he may have been driving a white Subaru Outback, which was later located in Lisbon, about 8 miles away from the shooting sites, according to CentralMaine.com.
Residents in Lisbon were also ordered to shelter in place, with authorities warning that Card may be armed and dangerous.
Maine State Police advised local residents and businesses to lock their doors and shelter in place.
On Wednesday night, emergency personnel were called to separate shootings at Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and at Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, according to the Sun Journal.
The death toll nearly matches the annual number of homicides in the state of Maine — with 29 homicides being reported in 2022.
Lewiston is a city of about 38,000 almost 30 miles north of Portland.
President Biden was notified about the mass shooting.
“I want to start out by recognizing the horrific and tragic event that happened in Lewiston, Maine,” Montgomery told reporters. “The Boston Bruins offer our sympathy and condolences to the victims and families that suffered.
“I personally spent four wonderful years at the University of Maine and I know how great the culture is in that state and I know how great the people are and my heartfelt sympathies to everybody that’s impacted.”
The Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics — who have a G League affiliate in Maine about 45 miles from the shooting — all put out statements about the tragedy.
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