The Bruins released a statement supporting Bishop Feehan hockey player A.J. Quetta on Wednesday, coach Bruce Cassidy and forward Charlie Coyle both expressed their support during their press conferences on Thursday, and several Bruins had individually donated and/or reached out to the Quetta family.
But the organization took things to another level in terms of financial support Thursday evening. The team announced that the Jacobs family, the Bruins and the Boston Bruins Foundation have pledged a minimum donation of $100,000 to support Quetta.
Quetta, a native of North Providence, R.I., suffered a serious spinal cord injury during a game Tuesday night. He underwent a first surgery Wednesday night, which went well, but has a long road ahead.
A GoFundMe page set up by Quetta's family has raised over $400,000 as of Thursday evening, while The Greg Hill Foundation's fundraiser has raised over $100,000, including a $25,000 donation by Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
In addition to the $100,000 pledge, the Bruins also announced that they will be auctioning off game-used sticks with all proceeds benefitting Quetta, and will be donating all proceeds of 50/50 raffles held Feb. 1-6 to help Quetta.
"Despite these tragic circumstances, it makes my family and the Boston Bruins organization very proud to see such an outpouring of support from the New England hockey community," said Boston Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs. "A.J. and his family should know that they are not alone in the journey to recovery, and that we will be with him the whole way."