Giant Hockey Stick Placed At Bruins' New Brighton Practice Facility

BRIGHTON (CBS) -- A giant hockey stick visible from the Massachusetts Turnpike was placed in front of the Boston Bruins' future practice facility Tuesday morning.

The 68-ft., 7,000-lb. replica of a Warrior Covert QRL model hockey stick was lowered by crane to its final position at the Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton. It was delivered on Sunday, via a flatbed truck on I-93 by Lamont's Trucking.

The stick was originally due to be lifted into its final position Monday, but high winds caused the ceremony to be postponed.

The replica stick, made of steel, was constructed by Diamond Iron Works in Lawrence. Owner Steve Doherty said that getting the blade to look right was the most difficult part for the 12.5:1-scale stick.

"We got about 450 man hours into fabricating the stick," said Doherty.

Doherty said this piece was Diamond Iron Works' first piece of sports equipment.

"We do a lot of oddball stuff through the years, but this is a one-of-a-kind thing, I think, for me," said Doherty.

Doherty said the weight of the stick proved less difficult Tuesday morning than the wind.

The Boston Bruins said in a release that the area will be open to the public when the Warrior Ice Arena opens in September.

Jim Halliday of NB Development said the plaza will be a go-to place.

"We kind of believe it's going to be the gateway to the city from the western suburbs," said Halliday.

Eventually, plans call for a Celtics training facility, apartments, a track and field venue, and a hotel in the area.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports

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