"I want to start by offering condolences to the Frates family," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy after their 5-2 loss to the Senators. "It's a tough day for them, and we're thinking about them and our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
Frates, a Beverly, Massachusetts native and former Boston College baseball player, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2012. He started the ice-bucket challenge in 2014, which took the internet by storm.
NHL stars Tyler Seguin, P.K. Subban and Commissioner Gary Bettman
participated in the viral craze
, which helped raise awareness and more than $200 million for ALS research.
"He inspired us all with everything he did," said Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask. "Even when he was going through a lot, he still raised awareness and a lot of money for that terrible disease."
Many Bruins players got to know Frates as he became a public figure and participated in an ALS fundraiser in July commemorating the challenge's fifth anniversary. Sean McDonald, the son of St. Louis Blues assistant general manager Kevin McDonald, continued to honor Frates by doing the ice-bucket challenge
with the Stanley Cup
in August.
"Pete was an unbelievable person and obviously he's done a lot," said Bruins defenseman Torey Krug. "He's a true hero. It's a tough loss, but he's made a lot of lives better."
NHL.com Independent Correspondent Callum Fraser contributed tothis report
