HOLDEN, Maine — The Bruins may play in Boston, but they're still Maine's NHL team.
Turns out that's what the players believe, too — especially those who happen to share last names with notable municipalities.
Former Bruins defenseman Nick Holden, now a member of the Vegas Golden Knights, recently sent Maine's Holden Police Department an autographed photo of his No. 44 Bruins jersey with the message, "To The Holden Police Department … Thank You For Your Service!!"
The Holden Police Department tweeted the photo Wednesday morning.
"We were absolutely thrilled to receive this autographed photo from former @NHLBruins @BostonBruins @NHL player, Nick HOLDEN, who now plays for @GoldenKnights," the department wrote. "Thank you, Nick....the Holden Police Department is VERY grateful for your thoughtful gesture....Merry Christmas."
Holden appeared in 18 regular games for Boston during the 2017-18 season and two playoff games, tallying 6 points overall — 1 goal and 5 assists.
The only other Holden in New England is in Massachusetts. It wasn't immediately clear whether an agency there had received something similar.
A quick, uncomprehensive search showed Gardiner's own Eric Weinrich as the only Maine native to play for the Bruins.
Weinrich, a University of Maine alumnus, was traded midseason to Boston in 2001. He scored 6 points in 22 games.
