(NECN: Eileen Curran, Boston) - Just three short months after winning the Stanley Cup, the Boston Bruins take to the ice at the TD Garden for their first official practice Saturday.
Fans were invited to come for free.
"This is awesome," said Jenn DeGregorio of Stoughton, Mass. "I brought my kids. This is so cool. We're having a great time."
Fan are still soaring from the Bruins Stanley Cup win in June, the team's first in nearly 40 years.
Some fans started showing up outside the Garden hours before practice to see the players come in and to dream.
"I think they're going to win the Stanley Cup this year," predicted pint-sized fan Tommy Peterson who is seven years old.
His friend Mikey Marchese, eight years old, added, "My favorite player is (Tim) Thomas."
Sports
Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and more
Cam Crusco, 15, who is named after Bruins legend Cam Neely, and his buddy Anthony DiPerri were here for autographs.
I got... Seidenberg, Seguin, Boychuk, all three cards signed," said DiPerri.
These boys from Billerica, Mass., haven't come down yet from the B's Stanley Cup win.
"(I'm) still so surprised about it," said DiPerri.
"(It's) just so unbelievable," said Crusco. "(I've been) waiting my whole life for it."
Okay kid... you're only 15.
Inside the Garden, fans of all ages got the chance to cheer on their favorites and take lots of pictures.
Fred Brooks of Sudbury, MA brought his two little boys, Josh, 6, and Henry, 3, to the practice to instill in them a love for the B's.
"What a great team the bruins have and the history and what a great game hockey is," said Brooks.
For Jenn DeGregorio of Stoughton, Mass., this is very much a family thing.
"Since I was little, I watched it with my dad," she said. "I still have Rick Middleton's autograph, Andy Moog, the old guys."
Now, she's brought her two daughters and she's looking forward to an exciting season.
"It's going to be crazy you know all the teams want to beat them. I'm hoping not. I'm hoping we bring home another cup.
Not only are fans hopefully, but they really believe this team can win another championship.
If you missed practice on Saturday, there will be another open to the public on Sunday at 10 a.m.
