Guest column
Joni Quinn
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I've worn his number since he first stepped foot on the ice in Boston.
During the season, I rearrange my schedule as best I can to prevent missing a minute of any game.
I was lucky enough to be in the stands the night he received the 7th Player Award. After arriving home from the game, I learned I had even managed to be on television, sporting my jersey, hat and waving a bright yellow sign proclaiming my love for No. 17 while he accepted the award.
Just when I was about to resign myself to being one of the thousands of faithful followers who would only be able to show their support from the stands, I received the assignment of my lifetime; I was to interview Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins.
Northern Mass. Telephone Workers Community Credit Union — which just opened a branch in Haverhill — sponsored the Milan Lucic Rock and Jock Softball game Friday in LeLacheur Park, home of the Lowell Spinners, where my dream became reality.
I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.
When Lucic entered the dining area, he immediately went up to a boy around the age of 10 and introduced himself. As the little boy stood there, mouth gaping open, Lucic took the Bruins hat from the boy's head, signed it and placed it back upon his head. I don't think I've ever seen a bigger smile.
That is until Lucic made his way toward my table.
I laugh now at how nervous I was. It was the easiest interview I ever had. Lucic was easy-going and very down to earth, which, for some reason, surprised me.
It was eye-opening to learn just how much we — the fans — mean to him.
"To play in a city like Boston where the fans appreciate me, it makes it that much more enjoyable to play for the Bruins. Having fans that always cheer you on makes game a lot more fun for me," he said.
As his career has continued to grow in Boston, Lucic admits he is recognized more and more often on the street.
"Living in Boston I do a lot of walking in streets. Usually people just wave 'hi' or stop and shake my hand. It's really great. I've always dreamed of playing hockey, of being famous. My fans are amazing," he said.
During the off-season, Lucic has had extra time on his hands — time he wanted to use to help others. After being involved with charities in the past, he had yet to do something on his own, apart from the team.
After teaming up with the credit union, the softball game was planned to raise money for Health and Education Services, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping to build healthy individuals, families, and communities through the integration of quality health, behavior health, education, and human service programs.
"I had never done anything on my own, charity-wise, so this is what we came up with. I wanted it to be something cool and different," Lucic said.
In conjunction with the softball game, Lucic appeared at NMTW's new Haverhill branch on Saturday to sign autographs and take pictures with fans, hundreds of which flocked to the credit union in the early afternoon to meet their favorite hockey player.
"We are excited to be working with Milan and raise funds for an organization which touches so many people in the communities that we serve," said credit union President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Del Rossi.
Not only did Lucic volunteer his free time to help a great cause, he made an impact on fans' lives that they won't soon forget, myself included.
Joni Quinn is a former Haverhill Gazette reporter who contributes to the paper on a freelance basis.
