Bruins Are Against Rookie Lap For Big Reason

BOSTON – There’s a reason – a big reason – why the Boston Bruins don’t force rookies to skate a lap or two on their own prior to their NHL debut, which is something that has become a ritual on many NHL teams.

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As harmless as it may seem, former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara never allowed it because he felt it was a form of rookie hazing.

So, when the Bruins took the ice for pregame warmups Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden, it was goalie Jeremy Swayman who led Boston onto the ice and not rookie Fabian Lysell, who made his NHL debut.

Chara never used the term “rookie” and would describe the newcomers as “first-year players.” He thought it helped the winning culture in Boston to make sure every player felt equal, so that’s why you’ll never see a rookie lap in Boston, especially with current Bruins captain Brad Marchand leading the way after the likes of Chara, and fellow past captain Patrice Bergeron.

“I don’t use the word ‘rookie’ because it just doesn’t sound right,” Chara said during the 2019 season. “Little things go a long way and make a big difference for these young men who are trying to stay and establish themselves in the league. If we can help them out in any way, then that’s great . . . how can you expect something out of a young player on the ice when you treat him differently off the ice? I believe in certain acts or behaviors, and it’s a standard for me that we’re not going to be using against anyone.”

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