Mark Kastelic’s connection to the Bruins dates back to when he was just a kid.
His grandfather, Pat Stapleton, played for Boston from 1961-63 and was teammates with Johnny Bucyk. Now Kastelic will get a chance to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps when he puts on the Bruins jersey when the 2024-25 NHL season begins in October.
“It’s pretty special and it means a lot to them,” Kastelic said Tuesday when asked how his family reacted to him playing for the Bruins. “To wear the same jersey that he’s worn in the past is something that, personally for me, I think is really cool.”
Kastelic said Stapleton had “a huge part” in his upbringing when it came to hockey. Stapleton taught Kastelic a lot about the game and being a player with high hockey IQ. But he also taught the forward about the mental side of hockey — something Kastelic believes has incredible value.
Stapleton died in 2020 at 79 years old. And while he won’t be here to watch his grandson suit up for the team he once did, Kastelic knows it will be special once he puts on the eight-spoked B.
“It sounds silly, but I love the way the jerseys look,” he said. “I think they’re just an awesome uniform and it’s gonna be pretty special to put it on knowing he’s worn it in the past. I’m sure it will be a surreal feeling.”
Stapleton wore No. 4 during his time with the Bruins. And while Kastelic knows he can’t wear that one due to it being retired for Bobby Orr, he mentioned No. 12 as one he’s worn to honor his grandfather.
Kastelic came to Boston in the Linus Ullmark trade that sent the goalie to the Ottawa Senators and will add some physicality to the bottom six. He admitted he was surprised to be traded, but is excited for his new chapter in Boston.
“They definitely do everything the right way,” he said.
