Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney is proud of how his players have spoken out against racial injustice. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Bruins GM Don Sweeney applauds Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara's efforts against racism

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/12/20

Many NHL players and organizations have spoken out against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, and that includes two of the league's biggest leaders in Boston Bruins' Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron.

Chara, Boston's captain, participated in "Black Lives Matter" protests last week and pledged to continue to stand for equality as a result.

View this post on Instagram

For the last 13 days I have been sick about George Floyd’s murder. I have taken time to think and listen. Time to find bravery and time to try to find the right words, though I’ll admit I’m still struggling. First thing is first and let me be clear: I stand with the Black community. Black Lives Matter. There is no room in this world for racism. Period. Sure, I’ve dealt with my own share of adversity as an outsider living in this country but I recognize my challenges were not made harder, or impossible, because of the color of my skin. I will never know what it’s like to walk down a street and feel unsafe. No one should have to experience that feeling. We have to take better care of each other and respect each other. Equality must be a priority. Anything less is unacceptable. I learned a lot yesterday and had good, honest conversations. Not only did we take steps in a walk but we made strides in learning and educating together. But it doesn’t stop there. I will continue to stand - and walk - with you. I have your back. Zdeno Chara

A post shared by Zdeno Chara (@zeechara33) on Jun 6, 2020 at 7:01am PDT

Bergeron, who is one of the Bruins' biggest leaders in the locker room and beyond, donated $25,000 each to the Boston NAACP and Centre Multiethnique de Quebec in Canada.

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney applauded the efforts by both players, and noted he fully supports their decision to protest racial injustice.

"I think it's a testament to their leadership, not as hockey players, but as human beings,” Sweeney said, according to Conor Ryan.

Don Sweeney on Chara + Bergeron's response this past week:

"If our players want to be more socially available in that regard — to comment and voice their opinions and in Zdeno's case, to support a protest and march with people — I applaud their efforts." https://t.co/JvU4EAOdT0
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) June 12, 2020

Chara and Bergeron have garnered the respect of players throughout the NHL. During a 2013 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bergeron assisted an EMT onto the TD Garden ice with a stretcher to transport an injured Brooks Orpik to Mass General Hospital.

Bergeron also was honored with a community service award in 2014, hosts an annual "Pucks and Paddles" ping pong tournament for charity and created the "Patrice's Pals" program which brings patients from local hospitals and other children's organizations to TD Garden to experience a Bruins home game in a VIP suite.

Floyd, 46, died two weeks ago after being violently seized by Minneapolis police. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The main officer involved in the incident, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter as a result of the incident. On June 3, Chauvin's charge was upgraded to second-degree murder, and three other now-former officers who were on the scene are facing charges.

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