Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman reacts as he is honored as the official flag-bearer before Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Boston, Saturday, May 4, 2013. (AP)
Right before the Boston Bruins took the ice against Toronto in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series Saturday, bombing victim Jeff Bauman received a hero's welcome from the crowd as the team's honorary banner captain.
The gory images of Bauman, who lost both of his legs in the blast, became some of the most recognizable from the April 15 terror attack. He was later instrumental in helping authorities identify the bombing suspects.
On Saturday, Bauman emerged in a wheelchair, waving not a Bruins flag but one that said "Boston Strong" in the team's colors.
"I want to thank everyone for their amazing support for me and all those injured and their families," Bauman said in a statement. "I'm making great progress and I thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to respect our space at this time. I want to thank the Bruins players and organization for the generosity and support for all those impacted. Like all those in Black and Gold, I can't wait to see them on another quest for the cup. Go Bruins!"
Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman gives a thumbs-up to the crowd as he is honored as the official flag-bearer prior to Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Boston, Saturday, May 4, 2013. (AP)
Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman gives a thumbs-up to the crowd as he is honored as the official flag-bearer prior to Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Boston, Saturday, May 4, 2013. (AP)
