Bruins' Brad Marchand Sends Gift To Young Fan Who Got Hit By A Puck

Just before the Stanley Cup Playoffs began this weekend for Game 1 with the Washington Capitals taking on the Boston Bruins -- a young fan was struck with a puck. Bruins left winger Brad Marchand decided to make that fan's day with an autographed stick.

What a guy.

This is a good look for the game of hockey. A sport known for its brutal physicality, and in a stressful time that is playoff hockey -- their players still take time for their fans. After all, sports are nothing without them. Lovely to watch a player understand that.

At first glance, the girl seems too young to know what's going on. But the Bruins' captain knows exactly what he's doing. You unsure about whether or not hockey is worth your long term support, or if you had fun at tonight's game? Well, she was having a miserable time at the Washington Capitals' Capital One Arena, and suddenly...she wasn't. Young and impressionable fans could always use a hand to have some fun at a game.

Now that young fan has a souvenir that we presume will be in her room the next decade. A solid gesture, but also strategic that shows why hockey is ascending in popularity. The Capitals went on to beat the Bruins 3-2 in Game 1, and more importantly, hockey gained a fan for life. Brad Marchand, you're the man.