BOSTON — Charlie Coyle said the list fills up quickly.
Every year when the sign up sheet is posted to take part in the Bruins’ annual Halloween trip to visit kids in area hospitals, players fill the allotted spots quickly. The annual tradition has become anticipated at the hospitals, on the team and even among fans, who just seek out the costume pictures on social media.
“Sometimes we even have guys who just write an extra line in to get their name in, whether you’re supposed to have that many guys or not,” Coyle said. “But yeah, it’s like you feel left out when you don’t get on it. But everyone loves hopping on it. And that just set from the people before and just the standard of helping and reaching out to the community and being there for other people, especially people who are in tougher situations.”
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This year the costumes were Pixar’s “Monster’s Inc.”, following last year’s Barbie and Ken theme. The Bruins have been superheroes, Super Mario Brothers, Star Wars and the cast of Toy Story in the past.
Coyle and Jeremy Swayman, who was Barbie last year, each took stints in the Sully costume while Brad Marchand, was the Billy Crystal-voiced Mike Wazowski.
“It’s a pleasure to come here and get those smiles on their faces,” said Hampus Lindholm, who was dressed as Ms. Squibbles. “If we can help them in any way. It’s a pleasure to come here and it gives us so much joy as players.”
Brandon Carlo, who was one of several Kens last year, said it’s a good reminder about what’s important.
“It obviously gives you good perspective too, to go in there and see the attitude that some of these young kids who are going through a lot are still positive, still upbeat,” he said. “It makes you appreciate each day. So nice to put a smile on their face, but they’re putting a bigger smile on ours.”
Swayman met a 12-year-old girl, who plays goalie and shared a “goalie hug” with her.
“It’s one I definitely look forward to, coming in seeing all the kids and the staff,” Swayman said. “We’re so lucky to be a part of it.”
But Coyle said the kids who aren’t hockey fans seem to enjoy the visit just as much.
“They’re still smiling We’re in silly costumes. They have a laugh. Like, that’s cool. You know, we don’t care if they like hockey or not,” he said. “We want to make them a fan, of course, but who knows? We might build some fans doing that. But just to see their faces, whether they know us, like us, don’t like us, we still get some smiles. And that’s what it’s all about.”
