Mar 12, 2025 - Health
"So Boston": The Bruins fan with the legendary COVID cameo
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Next Tuesday, we pay homage to this guy, who was probably looking for some Dunkin' and instead stumbled into a COVID-19 press conference.
The intrigue: This dazed Bruins fan's entrance to then-Mayor Marty Walsh's press conference brought us levity in a time of fear.
Flashback: It was five days after the U.S. declared a national emergency over COVID-19.
- We didn't know if the virus spread through food or touching an Orange Line pole or poorly washed hands.
- Walsh was telling us to look out for city updates on its COVID-19 response.
- What we did know was that even amid sudden deaths and hospitalizations, this townie and his friend gave us something to laugh about.
Nik DeCosta-Klipa wrote in Boston.com that this Bruins dude proved the pandemic "can't stop Boston from being Boston."
- Medford City Councilor Zac Bears called it iconic. Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman said it was "So Boston."
- I saw a clip on Twitter (RIP blue bird) and asked myself, "Who's this effin' guy?" and chuckled.
My Axios Boston co-author Mike Deehan and I were among a handful of reporters attending then-Gov. Charlie Baker's press conferences in the State House.
- There were no random appearances or meme-ified moments — just updates on deaths, hospitalizations and guidelines keeping everyone home.
Yes, but: At least we had the memes to keep us going.
- Bruins Guy, we may not know you, but we'll never forget you.