Boston Bruins: Bruins remember Mayor Menino.

Jun 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Bruins president Cam Neely is interviewed during media day in preparation for game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. He was seventy-one years old. Menino saw the revitalization of Boston and was the mayor of the city for twenty years(the longest serving mayor in Boston). He was one of the most hands-on mayors in the city’s three century history. He was an excellent leader, and outstanding administrator, and a fan of all the Boston sports teams.

Menino was the mayor of Boston when the Boston Bruins won the 2011 Stanley Cup. He was in the audience when the Bruins went to the White House to present President Obama with the ’11’ jersey for the President. The President took a moment to single out the mayor for his achievements at the press conference. He was the kind of mayor who would go to the games and cheer on the teams. He didn’t do it for the votes. He did it because he was just another fan like the rest of us.

The Bruins organization released the following statements on the life and passing of the former mayor.

Bruins President Cam Neely: “The Boston Bruins organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Menino and we would like to express our deepest condolences to his family. Mayor Menino was synonymous with the City of Boston and the professional sports teams that represented it. His passion was always evident and his support unwavering. He will be deeply missed.”

Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs: “I was saddened today to learn of the passing of Mayor Menino and on behalf of the Jacobs Family I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family. My family and I witnessed first hand how Mayor Menino’s vision and leadership helped transform Boston into one of the greatest cities in the world. Today we join all Bostonians in mourning our loss and celebrating Mayor Menino’s enduring legacy.”