Brad Marchand has a great relationship with his fans, and he attributes that to a piece of advice he received many years ago from Bruins legend, Ray Bourque.
When someone like Ray Bourque talked, Brad Marchand listened.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, the current Boston Bruins star recalled advice he got from Bourque upon entering pro hockey when he was only 19 years old, words of wisdom which have stuck with Marchand to this day when it comes to interacting with fans.
It's easy to forget how fortunate we are, Marchand recalled hearing from Bourque, how lucky we are to be in the position we're in, to be living our dreams and be living other people's dreams and you kind of take it for granted at times.
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"He told me, every kid that wants an autograph, every kid that approaches you or wants to talk to you, just enjoy it," Marchand said. "Don't take it for granted."
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Bourque, the franchise's all-time leader in points, assists and games played, told Marchand to enjoy these moments because when you're retired, nobody cares anymore.
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"Nobody cares about what you've done or who you are," Marchand said Bourque told him. "It's always the new players that are in the league, the superstars in the league at that point that they care about. People forget pretty quick.
"It's something I've come back to a lot; it keeps you grounded, it keeps you humble and makes you understand how fortunate you are."
Bourque, who has been retired for more than 20 years now, is clearly still a legend in these parts, just as Marchand will be 20 years following his playing career -- Marchand was able to win a Stanley Cup with the Bruins, after all.
But the advice has clearly stuck with Marchand, now 33, as he's evolved from a role player to an icon in his own right.
"That's coming from one of the best players to ever play the game," Marchand said. "When he's talking like that, it hits home."
