BOSTON — At media day for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off last week in Montreal, Bruins teammates Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy both talked about facing each other.
Both said they’d have no problem hitting or running over the other to get a puck or help their teams win. Friendship and team bonds would go on hold to play for their countries and national pride. They didn’t plan on speaking throughout the event.
But when McAvoy was knocked out of the tournament and had to be hospitalized with “a significant AC joint injury” and infection in his shoulder, Marchand quickly switched gears.
“I’ve reached out to him. I’m going to keep everything personal, but first and foremost, all you care about is the guy’s health and I’m very happy to hear that he’s doing well,” Marchand said. “But you put hockey aside in these moments.”
He broke his plans not to talk to any players other than his Canadian teammates during these two weeks.
“I had no intention of talking to Chuck or Pasta (David Pastrnak) or any of my teammates until this tournament is over,” Marchand said. “But obviously in a situation like that, Chucky is one of my best friends and I care a lot about him, so it’s very disappointing to hear that he’s going through this.”
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