Garden Hockey Open Edition

The woodcut "Garden Hockey" is not just a graphic depiction of the sport; it also reflects on early 20th-century sports arenas. The Bruins' first ice rink, the Boston Arena, was built in the early 1900s, and as hockey gained popularity, larger stadiums emerged in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and New York, including the original Boston Garden. Today, these ice arenas exist only as memories, replaced by newer venues.

This woodcut captures my memories of the old Garden from the 1960s to the 1980s. While it highlights the players, the arena itself is equally significant. The architecture of the old Garden evokes feelings of grandeur and intimacy. Unlike modern stadiums with unobstructed views, the old Garden's steep balconies brought spectators closer to the game, making every voice heard and creating an electrifying atmosphere—much to the discomfort of the opposing team.