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Some were surprised when the Boston Bruins signed 39-year-old forward and 16-year NHL vet Brian Gionta to a contract after his Olympic run, but he made his Bruins debut alongside David Backes and Tommy Wingels in last night's 8-4 pounding of the Pittsburgh Penguins and fit right in, with 2 assists in about 14 minutes of ice time.
So, how does the NHL veteran feel about being back in the league?
“It’s awesome,” Backes said. “It’s a great league to be a part of. I missed it a lot and the transition has been easy with the guys in this room. It’s been a great couple of days. They’re very accepting and I feel right at home.”
Of course, Gionta isn't just back in the pros - he's also back in Boston. He starred at Boston College from 1997 thru 2001 with an average of 31 goals a year.
“It’s nice to be back in the city,” Gionta said. “I loved it here, I loved the time. We always come back. We’ve got a couple of family members and friends still in the area. So, it’s nice to be around.”
The winger is just hoping to be an asset.
“It’s a great bunch of guys, a great group,” he said. “So, I’m just here, trying to help whatever way I can. I said it coming in that, whatever role is asked, I’m here to help and be a part of it. You know, you don’t want to disrupt too much. They’ve got a great group. I just want to come in, blend in and fit in where I can.”
B's will host one of Gionta's old teams, the Montreal Canadiens, tomorrow.