Denna Laing addresses Bruins fans in pregame video

BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins honored Denna Laing of the Boston Pride of the National Women's Hockey League prior to their game against the Vancouver Canucks at TD Garden on Thursday.

Laing was injured on Dec. 31 playing in the Outdoor Women's Classic.

Laing addressed the fans in a video, which drew a standing ovation.

"I'm wishing I could be with you at the game tonight, but I wanted to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the love, support and prayers you have been sending my way," Laing said from her hospital bed. "I wanted to thank the NHL, the Bruins and the Canadiens organization for their incredible generosity and kindness. I have a lot of hard work in front of me, but I have never been afraid of a challenge."

Laing ended her message with a reference to Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who visited her in the hospital Wednesday.

"As 'Z' told me today, 'Never, never give up.' Go Bruins," Laing said.

Laing's sisters Brianna and Lexie dropped the ceremonial first puck flanked by Boston captain Zdeno Chara and Vancouver forward Daniel Sedin.

Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs hosted Laing's family and friends in his suite during the game. The 50/50 raffle raised $20,063 for the Denna Laing Fund; the tickets were sold by Laing's Pride teammates and Assabet Valley High School teammates.

Laing was featured on the game-night poster, which is distributed to fans and usually features a Bruins player.

The Bruins and Montreal Canadiens wore their 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic uniforms in Boston's 4-1 win at Bell Centre on Tuesday, and the jerseys will be auctioned to benefit Laing's rehabilitation and recovery.

"I think it's a good thing that people are aware and the League and the teams are aware and paying tribute to her," Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask said. "So we're doing everything we can to help her out, and hopefully everything turns out the best."

Denna Laing's sisters, Brianna & Lexie, took part in the ceremonial puck drop. See https://t.co/LF6yb26RVG for more. pic.twitter.com/g3BQ8XqiBo

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 22, 2016