Bruins star David Pastrnak has been known as "Pasta" pretty much from the moment he entered the league. He is on the record as saying that pasta is in fact his go-to pregame meal.
Yet somehow Pastrnak did not yet have his own pasta… until now. Pastrnak has teamed up with Stop & Shop for a limited edition penne, which he officially launched at the supermarket's Allston location on Tuesday.
"For great work, it takes time," Pastrnak said when asked why such a partnership took so long. "It took a couple years, but we all knew it was gonna come. I'm so happy it worked out. It's for a great price, better than normal pasta, so don't hesitate. Come get it."
The pasta comes in a black and gold collectible box that features Pastrnak on the front and is now available at Stop & Shop stores across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut while supplies last.
A portion of the proceeds from each box -- which costs 88 cents in honor of his jersey number -- will go toward supporting pediatric cancer research and care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. In addition, Pastrnak is working with Stop & Shop to donate pasta to children in need in his native Czech Republic.
"For years, my fans have asked me what I eat before a game and it's always my favorite meal, pasta Bolognese," Pastrnak said in a statement. "I'm excited to team up with Stop & Shop so fans can make delicious pasta meals at home while supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund."
As it turns out, Pastrnak's own pasta Bolognese comes with a twist, one he swears by even if it sounds weird.
"It's a long season, so you get a little tired of [the same thing]. I came up with this new recipe," Pastrnak said. "Pasta penne -- I'm gonna have to start using Pasta pasta, bring it over to our chef -- with Bolognese, and I put a scoop of alfredo and a scoop of pesto. Doesn't sound great, but it tastes unbelievable."
On the ice, Pastrnak is looking to help the Bruins make a deeper playoff run and compete for a Stanley Cup after getting knocked out in the second round each of the last two years.
"It's no secret that's the goal for every player," Pastrnak said of wanting to win a Cup. "It's obviously a long way, so first goal is to make the playoffs. As soon as you're in the playoffs, your next goal is immediately winning the whole thing. Hopefully this is the year. It's a great group of guys. We've got a bunch of new guys who are fitting in perfectly. There's great energy in the room, and I can't wait for things to get started."
