Wearing a Maine T-shirt, Linus Ullmark had perspective after Bruins loss
Maine #Maine
BOSTON — Boston goalie Linus Ullmark admitted he was angry after the Bruins lost a two-goal lead in the final two minutes and then lost 4-3 in overtime.
It was the first time all season, Ullmark, last year’s Vezina Trophy had given up more than a goal. But as he sat in front of his locker, Ullmark was wearing a blue University of Maine T-shirt, the alma mater of his coach as well goalie partner Jeremy Swayman.
It was a gesture to show support for the city of Lewiston, Maine and victims of the mass shooting there on Wednesday night. The goalie said that made losing a hockey game feel comparatively trivial.
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“It’s just unfair. We’re complaining and pissed off losing a hockey game while lots of the people up there lost lives, lost loved ones. It puts you in perspective as well,” Ullmark said. “It’s pretty easy to let this one go.”
Ullmark’s T-shirt was one of a handful of gestures by the team designed to support Lewiston and Maine as a whole. Each player wore a helmet decals with the outline of the state of Maine on it and a heart where Lewiston would be on the map.
During warmups, they hung a jersey behind their bench with the number 207 – Lewiston’s area code – with the “Lewiston Strong” in the nameplate. It recalled the Red Sox making a similar gesture in 2013 after the Boston Marathon bombings.
On Wednesday night, a gunman, suspected to be Robert Card, opened fire at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Just-in-Time Recreation. Eighteen people were killed and many others were injured. As of 11 p.m. Thursday, the gunman was still at-large amid a massive manhunt.
They held a moment of silence for the victims and announced that the Boston Bruins Foundation will pledge a minimum of $100,000 “to those affected by these horrific events in Lewiston.” Proceeds from the 50-50 raffle will also be donated. Fans can also contribute at BostonBruins.com/LewistonStrong.
Both the Bruins and Ducks signed their sticks, wrapped with blue tape and will auction them with the proceeds benefitting the affected families.