This Week In Bruins History: October 11, 1979, Ray Bourque's Debut

The Quebec born Raymond Bourque made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins against the first edition of the Winnipeg Jets. Bourque was fresh off being named best defencemen of the year in juniors while playing for the Verdun Black Hawks of the QMJHL. Bourque was drafted 8th overall during the 1979 NHL Entry Draft and proved quickly why he was drafted so high.

On October 11, 1979, the beginning of a legend was in the making. The Bruins began the season against the Jets and Bourque made an immediate impact. While on the power-play Bourque received a pass from Bruin great Rick Middleton. He skated the puck in towards the net and took a shot that deflected past Jet's goalie Lindsay Middlebrook for his first career NHL goal in his first game. It wasn't pretty, but it was the first of many to come.

Later on during the 1979-80 season Bourque would become a first team all-star as well as the rookie of the year, bringing home the Calder Trophy. His 65 points during his rookie campaign proved to be an NHL record for a rookie defenceman. Bourque had some big skates to fill once the Bobby Orr era came to an end, but he did an excellent job of creating his own for over two decades. There in no denying how great Bourque was and what he brought to the city of Boston. That early autumn night in October proved to be just one of the long list of moments in the immense career of Raymond Bourque.