BOSTON — Keith Garman’s title isn’t at the Boston Bruins’ roster. He is, alternatively, within the hearts and minds of each particular person within the historical group.
He used to be a very powerful member of the Bruins as the team’s head chef the closing 4 years. He kicked the bucket impulsively Oct. 11. He used to be 33.
A local of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Garman graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island in 2010 with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts. In 2021, he finished his Bachelor of Science Degree.
Garman used to be hooked in to hockey and the culinary arts. His two passions combined completely with the Bruins and he temporarily earned the glory of the players he helped stay wholesome.
Tuesday “was a horrible, horrible day for all of us,” stated captain Patrice Bergeron. “Chef Keith was a big part of our team, family and organization. Everyone in the organization had to go through his kitchen every day whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner. I’m at a loss of words. Our thoughts and prayers go to the whole family. We send them love and comfort during this difficult time, but he’s not going to be forgotten.”
Bergeron added all of the group remains to be in surprise and saddened through Garman’s passing.
“His work ethic is the first thing that comes to mind when I talk about Chef Keith. He was there from the crack of dawn to cook us the best meals and always had a smile on his face,” Bergeron stated. “In your house you’re always drawn to the kitchen and it was the same thing with him and his kitchen. During a long, stressful hockey season he always had the right words to calm us down and to cook us a good meal.”
The Bruins held a second of silence sooner than the season’s house opener Saturday evening at TD Garden. The team has devoted its season in Garman’s honor. After the Bruins’ 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals Wednesday in D.C., Bergeron spoke to the team and discussed Garman as one reason why for the victory.
On Saturday, the Bruins hosted the Arizona Coyotes and Boston’s Jeremy Swayman used to be the beginning goalie. Prior to the sport he presented his ideas on Garman’s have an effect on at the team.
“First and foremost I want to send our prayers and my thoughts out to his family,” Swayman stated. “That’s not going to be a page easily turned. We’re going to make this season special for him, because he was a huge part of our team, a huge part of our lives and we’re definitely going to miss him.”
Bruins ahead Charlie Coyle defined the inside track hit the players hard after they realized of Chef Keith’s passing.
“He wasn’t in the dressing room, but he was part of our team and organization,” Coyle stated. “We all consider ourselves teammates. Everyone is together in here and this is the worst. It’s just a shame that occurred, especially for someone close to us and for someone who has been there for us every day. He was a great person and you just hate to see it. It doesn’t feel real. It’s just sad and we feel for the family.”
It’s been a hard week for the Bruins, however Garman’s reminiscence has introduced the players nearer in combination they usually consider it is going to closing the rest of the season.
“When disaster strikes, or something bad like this happens it does bring people closer together, especially good people,” Coyle stated. “When it’s someone who is part of your team it hits home a little more and it makes you think that life is really precious. Sometimes you forget that and it’s a shame it takes something like this to remind you.”
Garman’s presence may well be felt within the Garden Saturday evening and the Bruins didn’t let him down.
“It’s good to talk about and be there for one another,” Coyle stated. “We’ll always remember Keith and think about him and everything he’s done for us.”
—Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey.