BOSTON -- Andrew Bodnarchuks promotion to the Bruins gives the young defenseman another chance to establish himself at the games highest level. It also reunites a couple of lifelong friends from Nova Scotia.
Bodnarchuk and Brad Marchand have known each other for 13 years. They met as grade-school youngsters in Halifax.
"Too long," Marchand said with a smile when asked how long he and Bodnarchuk have been friends.
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We grew up together playing on all the area teams, we were roommates when he was in Providence, and were here now, said Bodnarchuk.
They're both happy Bodnarchuk's been rewarded for his hard work in the AHL.
He was staying positive in Providence," said Marchand. "Hes very dedicated and he was training very, very hard. I know hes having a really good year and playing a lot of minutes while staying a plus player for a team thats not doing all that hot.
He bided his time and waited. Now that hes up, here hes excited that he can try to take advantage of the situation. Some guys have to wait a little longer for that chance. What really matters is taking advantage of it when you do get into that situation.
Added Bodnarchuk: Its very exciting. Its been a long time since Ive been up here. Boston has a lot of D prospects and Steve Kampfer (who was sent down to the P-Bruins) was playing great last year. Matt Bartkowski was having a great year, too.
I consider them all good friends, but at the same time you know where you want to be. Instead of getting frustrated you just put your nose to the grindstone.
While it remains to be seen how long Bodnarchuk will stick with the Bruins, it appears hell be with them for the 11-day, six-game road trip that starts Wednesday in Montreal.