For the 2020-2021 season, the Boston Bruins will be wearing RT 21 on their helmets as a tribute to Travis Roy. Travis Roy was born on April 17, 1975, in Yarmouth, Maine, to Brenda and Lee Roy. His father, who had been a standout hockey player at the University of Vermont, manages several sports arenas.
Travis Roy’s Story
On October 10, 1995, Travis got injured in mere seconds of his first hockey game at Boston University. The results of his injury shattered his fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae leaving him paralyzed. He eventually regained use of his right hand, allowing him to operate his wheelchair. Sadly on October 29, 2020, Roy died at a hospital just outside Burlington, Vermont.
Words From A Fellow Teammate
Chris Drury was a freshman on the team when Roy got hurt. According to the New York Times article, Drury said, “I was just 10 feet away when it happened,…It was chilling. That could have been me, he added. And the way Travis had dealt with this tragedy is an inspiration to me.” Now the assistant general manager for the New York Rangers, Drury went on to win a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. Also, an Olympic silver medal with the United States Olympic Hockey team.
A Message From His Parents
Years of hard work and dedication were about to pay off – his lifelong dream was coming true. Twenty years later, the Bruins offered Travis a one-day contract and asked him to drop the ceremonial pregame puck.
He was honored and humbled to do so. Fans from around New England were present on both occasions, cheering him on. Their love and support gave Travis the courage and motivation to move forward under the most difficult of circumstances. Travis never wanted to let these fans down, and, with their support, he lived a life of purpose and impacted even he never dreamed possible.
We thank BU, the Bruins, and sports fans throughout New England for loving and supporting our son and the Travis Roy Foundation.
Travis Roy’s Parents, Brenda and Lee
The Travis Roy Foundation was established in 1996, “dedicated to helping others move forward.” This foundation helps spinal cord injury survivors and their families live more independent and hopeful lives. They have helped more than 2,100 quadriplegias and paraplegias.
The Bruins announced on January 13 that they would join the Boston University men’s and women’s ice hockey teams this season in honoring the life and legacy of Travis Roy by wearing a commemorative TR24 emblem on their helmets. Every Bruins player wore the helmets proudly on Thursday night’s season opener against the New Jersey Devils. The emblem features Travis’s initials and the number 24, which he wore at Boston University.
Bruins CEO Charlie Jacob
The Boston Bruins are proud to join Boston University this upcoming season in honoring the courageous and inspirational life of Travis Roy. I am forever grateful for having had the opportunity to call Travis a friend and will never forget the lessons his life’s journey taught us all. Travis’s profound legacy will always be remembered within the Bruins locker room and in hockey rinks across the world.
Charlie Jacobs
Information About The Travis Roy Foundation
Apparel featuring the TR24 logo is available for purchase through Boston University. All proceeds are benefitting the Travis Roy Foundation. Go to GoTerriers.com/TR24 to visit the online store, including t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts in adult and youth sizes. For other ways to get involved with the Travis Roy Foundation, go to their web page: https://www.travisroyfoundation.org/
