Two of the newest Boston Bruins off-season signings, Alex Steeves and Jordan Harris, grew up playing hockey in New Hampshire.

On a very rainy Sunday afternoon, they made the trip from Boston to Concord for the Bruins Fan Fest next to Everett Arena. The event featured a Q&A session, autograph signings and some other activities for fans to enjoy.

Multiple NHL trophies were on display while kids ran around completing different skill challenges. Bruins legend Rick Middleton obliged every autograph request that came his way.

Fans gathered outside Everett Arena for the Bruins Fan Fest. Credit: Alexander Rapp / Monitor

Steeves, who grew up in Bedford, played for the Manchester Junior Monarchs teams and left New Hampshire to play in the United States Hockey League and at Notre Dame.

He recalled his days playing at Tri-Town Ice Arena in Hooksett and Everett Arena on Loudon Road many times. Returning to New England as a Bruin was a full-circle moment, he said.

“I played at this rink in youth hockey, and it’s just seeing all these places you can’t help but get emotional,” Steeves said as he looked across the fan fest.

He was signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021 and has served as a solid depth piece for them, bouncing between the AHL and NHL.

The forward signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Boston Bruins for the 2025-26 season, and said that it feels like being home in many ways – especially the drive north on Interstate-93.

“For me, it’s a unique position where I’m making a first impression, and you know, that’s something I don’t take lightly, and I just want to immerse myself in Boston in this organization and hopefully make a good impact,” he said.

Alex Steeves (L) and Jordan Harris (R) laugh about signing Bruins deodorant. Credit: Alexander Rapp / Monitor

Haverhill native Jordan Harris has made an impression at the TD Garden before, but as a Northeastern Husky during his college days.

He signed a similar contract to Steeves and joined the Bruins on July 1st of this year. Growing up a Boston fan, it meant the world to don the black and gold.

“Tremendously humbled and honored, and I’ve gotten a chance to skate at Warrior (Ice Arena) for years now. So it’s just exciting, really exciting, I think, for me and my family,” he said.

Harris transferred to Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH, for his last three years of high school and used his spare time before the fan fest to meet up with old friends in the state.

The 25-year-old defenseman played for the Montreal Canadiens for three years, but was then traded last season to the Blue Jackets before heading to Boston.

Harris has significant experience at the NHL level, having played 164 games in his career, scoring 37 points so far, which is something that this revamped Bruins team could use.

“I feel good, very personally, health-wise and skating-wise and where I’m at mentally and everything,” Harris said about the upcoming season. “I’m just excited.”

Bruins mascot Blades was in Concord for the fan fest. Credit: Alexander Rapp / Monitor

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