Reddit’s Love for ‘Jack and Brick’ brings Jack Out of His Box

Reddit is often referred to as the “center of the internet,’ and this is certainly true for the Boston Bruins fan base too. The subreddit r/BostonBruins has nearly 30,000 subscribers, Game Day Threads (GDT’s) that are always buzzing, and lots of opinions. Lots and lots, of opinions. While we could spend all day steeped in trade talk and stats, the online Bruins community seems to have a deep love for NESN’s most iconic broadcasting duo: Jack and Brick.

Jack Edwards (@RealJackEdwards) and Andy ‘Brick’ Brickley (@AndyBrickley) are the commentators for the New England Sports Network (NESN), where Bostonians find the best coverage of their local teams. While we first heard from Jack during the 2005-2006 season, he has been our full-time play-by-play commentator since 2007-2008 and earned himself his own Stanley Cup ring from the Bruins in 2011. Bruins fans all seem to agree: Jack is iconic.

Though not to remain too narrowly focused on our love for Jack, he has also been no stranger to criticism, especially from those who find themselves outside of the Bruins fan base. Many argue that he’s too much of a ‘hometown commentator,’ allowing himself to get too into the game as a fan while ignoring his role as an unbiased commentator. Bruins fans are never short on complaints either, at times criticizing Jack’s excitement when opponents score. Criticism aside, Jack Edwards has earned his place high above the ice.

During the November 24th broadcast of the Bruins and Senators, Jack referred to Charlie McAvoy as a ‘bonafide stallion’ during the live broadcast. He later went on to mention the subreddit, r/BostonBruins and what ensued can only be described as internet mania. One reddit user simply posted, “JACK EDWARDS WITH THE BRUINS SUB NAME DROP”, and the comments of adoring love followed. Jack’s name drop of the Reddit community eventually led to his creation of a Reddit account (u/JackEdwardsBruins). His personalized video for the community, where he dons a turtleneck and sits in front of a fire, announces his AMA and it is quite possibly the best thing on the internet.

If you’re not familiar with Reddit, have no fear. While it’s a bit of a niche, its love for the Bruins is  something we can all share (well, r/hockey might disagree). There is one thing you need to know about the community though: they love, and I mean, love, Jack Edwards. From Jack Edwards drinking games to Jack Edwards Bingo, r/BostonBruins will never stop loving him. And it seems, Jack will never stop loving them back.

On January 16th, Jack tweeted that he would be hosting an AMA (common shorthand for ‘ask me anything’ on Reddit) and released his video on the subreddit and fans couldn’t wait. And on January 23rd, he answered, posting “It is for real.” as fans began firing away with questions.

There are many gems from the AMA, but my personal favorite was u/digmyowngrave’s question: “Hey Jack. Do you and Brick hang out off air? If so, what do you guys do? Thanks.” Jack’s answer was characteristically Jack as he responded saying: “Brick is the brother I never had, the best teammate I’ve ever had…” User u/ceemunee summed it up best: “Wholesome.”

Jack even made a surprise appearance on the Lightning GDT, which found itself buzzing with excitement throughout the Bruins 4-1 win over Tampa Bay. His Reddit commentary is just as iconic as his on-air commentary. His most popular comment from the game harkens back to when he first initiated the loving relationship. In response to the rapid fire Bruins goals during the game, Jack commented:  “Martha, the barn’s on fire. Git me a marshmallow and a stick.”

Grab your marshmallows, light a fire, and gather around with the Boston Bruins Reddit community on  Saturday as the Bruins face the New Jersey Devils.

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You can find Jack’s own answers to his questions here and join us on Reddit for the next GDT here!