Bruins Alumni Gear Up For Fundraising Event At Winchendon School

 “The spirit of Jason … his genuine, joyful, task-focused family- and friend-loving spirit … is truly inspiring. I feel that all of Jason’s qualities live on through this scholarship, which is a perfect example of the Ritchie Hockey Foundation’s theme, ‘Life is energy.’”-Adam Letarte

While the Boston Bruins may be having a difficult year and have been making some less than popular decisions in regards to player trades and re-signings, nonetheless, we embrace the men who don the Black and Gold sweaters. In recent years the Bruins have been referred to as an ‘intrinsic’ team that helps define the city of Boston.  For those who aren’t familiar with the term, it can mean either a) something that occurs naturally or b)refer to that thing’s essentiality. When it comes to the Bruins, both come into play.

Naturally, we are drawn to sports, being Bostonian, it’s in our genetic make up. When it comes to the Bruins, we’ve had our fair share of memorability and edginess.  From Milt Schmidt to Eddie Shore to the likes of Terry O’Reilly and Bobby Orr, we’ve had it all. We’ve had lulls (about forty years worth) and we’ve had highs from winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 to making the Finals another 2 years later in 2013. While all of these triumphs leave us with memories and morning banter among friends, they also unite us and bring us together, not only as a city, but as a nation all of our own.

The Boston Bruins have an unbreakable bond with the city of Boston, one that they have worked hard to achieve through years of triumph and tragedy.  The way that the players participate in events throughout surrounding communities through the Boston Bruins Foundation to show that they are one of us, they believe in our causes and love our city just as much as we do. Their everlasting support is what helps keep this city together through the toughest times and makes the connection with this fan base so unique.

On February 7, we get to witness this unique bond in action as the Ritchie Hockey Foundation, the Winchendon School and the Bruins Alumni host the Winchendon School Hockey Day.

Jason Ritchie was a Winchendon School 2005 alumnus who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2009. To continue and remember Jason’s passion and energy for life, the Ritchie Hockey Foundation was created with the purpose of providing resources for deserving youth who share in Jason’s enthusiasm and love for hockey. Each year since the foundation’s inception, the Ritchie Hockey Foundation and the Winchendon School have partnered to help a Winchendon Hockey student-athlete actualize their dreams of continuing to play in their endeavors into higher education.

2015’s recipient of the Ritchie Hockey Foundation Scholarship is senior Adam Letarte.  Upon graduation Adam stated that he is pursuing a life-long dream of becoming a pilot. While he has not committed to a school, he is looking for one with an AFROTC program where he can also play hockey. In his acceptance letter to the Foundation he stated;

“To receive a scholarship for commitment, teamwork, and persistence in any area that strengthens someone for success is an honor, but to be awarded a scholarship in the name of Jason Ritchie is a unique honor. The spirit of Jason … his genuine, joyful, task-focused family- and friend-loving spirit … is truly inspiring. I feel that all of Jason’s qualities live on through this scholarship, which is a perfect example of the Ritchie Hockey Foundation’s theme, ‘Life is energy.’”

The day-long event is designed to bring alumni, faculty, staff, parents, friends and families together from all over New England to celebrate the Winchendon School and Jason Ritchie Hockey Foundation. Events begin at 10:30AM with a youth goalie clinic that is followed by Winchendon School Women’s Varsity Game at noon.  Following that game is Winchendon School Men’s Varsity Game featuring recipient Adam Letarte.  The final event will feature members of the Winchendon School/Ritchie Hockey Foundation All-Stars against the Boston Bruins Alumni.

To be able to witness all of the fun and action (or see a sneak peak of the Bruins alumni that will be present), you can visit Life is Energy to buy tickets or if you’re really daring, take your chances at playing AGAINST the Bruins alumni in the 5:00 event.