Three Boston Bruins legends, an innovative business recruitment effort and one of the State’s best known local talk radio programs will make for a winning combination as the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, WTPL 107.7 FM and Public Service of NH join together to host Boston Bruins Alumni Day in New Hampshire at the Red Blazer on Thursday, December 17th from 2-5 p.m.

Rick Middleton

Former Boston Bruins greats Rick Middleton, Terry O’Reilly and Brad Park will be featured at this event which will kick off with an autograph signing from 2-3 p.m. leading into a live radio broadcast of Jack Heath’s “New Hampshire Today” program from 3-5 p.m. The trio of Bruins greats will be appearing in the Granite State in advance of their participation in the Boston Bruins AT&T Legends Classic at Fenway Park in Boston on January 2nd.

“WTPL is thrilled to be able to partner with the Division of Economic Development to celebrate Boston Bruins Alumni Day in New Hampshire,” said WTPL Vice President/General Manager Jim Whedon. “As the Granite State radio affiliate for Bruins hockey, we know that New England has a proud tradition of supporting the Bruins and we’re looking forward to both a tremendous event for the fans and a great broadcast.”

The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development is using the event as a way to promote its full page advertisement in the Bruins Winter Classic Program to be sold at Fenway Park during the New Year’s Day outdoor contest between the Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Terry O'Reilly

“With both national and international interest in this unique and historic game, we’re taking the opportunity to reach out to visitors and demonstrate why New Hampshire is a great place to start a business, raise a family and explore recreational opportunities,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “Hockey fans from around the globe will learn about our favorable low tax atmosphere, excellent quality of life and ‘business first’ philosophy.”

Fans of the Division of Economic Development’s No Bull Facebook page (www.nheconomy.com/facebook) will have an opportunity to win a special pre-Bruins Alumni Day in New Hampshire event luncheon with the players as well as an autographed hockey stick. Event attendees will also have a chance to win other prizes including tickets to the AT&T Legends Classic.

“Public Service of New Hampshire is proud to be part of an event that draws attention to the State’s considerable recruitment efforts,” said Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “This is just the latest in a long line of innovative partnerships that New Hampshire’s public and private sectors are engaging in to attract emerging entrepreneurs and already established out-of-state companies.”

Brad Park

Bruins standout right winger and New Hampshire resident Rick “Nifty” Middleton, a former Lady Byng Trophy winner (for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct) who scored 448 goals in his professional career, has been named the honorary Granite State ambassador for the event. He will be joined by former Bruins captain and head coach Terry O’Reilly who racked up over 600 points and amassed 2,095 penalty minutes as a member of the “Big Bad Bruins” as well as NHL Hall of Famer Brad Park, a five-time first team NHL All-Star. All three players are integral members of the Bruins Alumni squad which plays games throughout New England to raise money for a variety of charities.

Fans planning to attend the event are urged to bring their own items (one item per attendee) to be signed. For more details, listen to Jack Heath’s “New Hampshire Today” show Monday-Friday from 3-5 p.m. or visit the Division of Economic Development’s No Bull Business Blog at http://blog.nheconomy.com/. To participate in the “Win Lunch With the Boston Bruins Legends,” contest, visit www.nheconomy.com/facebook.