SAUGUS — Several dozen fans journeyed through the stormy weather Friday night to Kowloon’s Restaurant in Saugus to meet a Boston Bruins hockey legend, Johnny “Chief” Bucyk.
“I’m having a lot of fun,” Bucyk said.
The Bruins retired left winger helped the team win two Stanley Cup championships in the early ’70s, but Friday he was busy signing pucks and taking photos with all the proceeds being donated to the Children’s Glaucoma Foundation.
Cory Mathieson of Melrose was one of the first to get an autographed picture from Bucyk for his father who is a huge New England sports fan.
“My dad loves this stuff,” he said. “He’s gonna be thrilled.”
Lifelong Bruins fans Kyle and Belinda Webster made the trip all the way from Brownington, Vt.
“We’re heading to the Bruins game tomorrow night,” Kyle said. “When we saw [Bucyk] would be here we knew we had to come.”
Originally, Bucyk was planned to be joined by famed Bruins national anthem singer Rene Rancourt, however, the weather prevented him from attending. This meant a lot more signatures and photos for Bucyk.
Having a grandson who was diagnosed with juvenile glaucoma, Bucyk is always excited to contribute to the cause.
“I try to raise as much money as I can for him,” he said. “It’s great for Kowloon’s to do this; they’re very good about doing these things for charity.”
Just about everyone was excited to get the NHL Hall of Famer’s signature but none seemed to be as enthusiastic as one woman who goes by Dorothea W. She had him sign her faded jeans before planting a kiss on his cheek in thanks.
“It was just an impulse,” she said. “I’m an artist.”
Soon after, Frank Mancini and his father Primo, who thought they were just going out for a normal dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, got a chance to meet one of their favorite Bruins of all time.
“I’ve seen so many of his games,” Primo said.
“We’re such huge fans,” Frank said. “This is great.”
