In the realm of sports, superstitions and perceived curses often add an intriguing layer to the games we love. For the Boston Bruins, the number 6 jersey has become a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Is there a "Curse of the No. 6 Jersey" looming over the Bruins? Let's delve into the history and examine the evidence.
The number 6 has a long history with the Bruins, with 28 different players donning the jersey since 1950. Interestingly, it's the only single-digit skater number (excluding No. 1) that the team has not retired. Some notable Bruins who have worn the number include Bronco Horvath, a member of "The Uke Line," who wore it from 1958 to 1961. Then came Ted Green, who wore it from 1961 to 1972 and is arguably the best Bruin to make it his trademark. Green was an integral part of the Bruins' core during the Bobby Orr era and won a Stanley Cup in 1970.
Other Bruins who have sported the number 6 include Gord Kluzak, who wore it from 1983 to 1991, and Joe Thornton, who wore it for a few seasons before switching to 19. After Thornton's departure, No. 6 was worn by Gord Murphy (2002), Dan McGillis (2003-04), Brad Stuart (2006-07), and Dennis Wideman (2007-2010). It's worth noting that the number was not worn when the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
More recently, Greg Zanon (2012), Wade Redden (2013), Corey Potter (2014), Colin Miller (2017), Mike Reilly (2021-2023), and Anton Stralman (2022-2023) have all worn the number 6 jersey. Mike Reilly, in particular, had a decent stint with the Bruins, becoming a reliable player on the blue line. However, he was eventually sent down to the American Hockey League's (AHL) Providence Bruins. Anton Stralman signed a one-year contract with the Bruins in 2022 but only played eight games before being demoted to Providence.
Currently, Mason Lohrei wears the number 6 jersey. Lohrei is considered a top young player for the Bruins, and perhaps he can break the perceived curse.
Is there any validity to the curse? Besides Ted Green, no Bruin has worn No. 6 for more than three seasons. It seems "The Hockey Gods" don't favor Boston's No. 6, and no one has been worthy enough to have their name stitched to it in the TD Garden rafters. Whether the "Curse of the No. 6 Jersey" is real or just a quirky coincidence, it adds an intriguing narrative to the Boston Bruins' history. Only time will tell if Mason Lohrei can break the curse and establish himself as a long-term fixture in the number 6 jersey.
The Bruins are currently gearing up for their 2025-26 season, with recent news focusing on player performances and team strategies. Brad Marchand recently made an emotional return to Boston with the Florida Panthers. The Bruins are working to improve their finishing abilities. The team has also been dealing with injuries, with Jordan Harris recently placed on injured reserve and Michael Callahan recalled from Providence.
