The Bruins are preparing for the centennial celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first game

BOSTON – The Boston Bruins won their first NHL game 100 years ago, defeating the visiting Montreal Maroons 2-1 on December 1, 1924.

On Sunday, the Bruins will be hoping for a similar result in their black and gold jerseys when they play their Centennial game at TD Garden against another Montreal team – the red, white and blue arch-rival Canadiens – in 6,898. Regular Season Game Franchise History (3 p.m. ET, NESN, SN, RDS).

Twenty-four hours before the Bruins’ TD Garden celebration of their history, the team’s giant bear-shaped Centennial Legacy Monument was unveiled across Causeway St. in Portal Park next to the arena.

In breezy 40-degree temperatures, the ceremony was attended by Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs, President Cam Neely, Hall of Fame legends Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito and Ray Bourque, current Bruins captain Brad Marchand, other alumni and various dignitaries Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, and Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston.

Both the state and city declared Sunday Boston Bruins Centennial Day.

“Together, with the community and values ​​we have held in our hearts for 100 years, the Boston Bruins begin the next century,” reads an engraving on the statue’s base. “May our past inspire future generations of hockey heroes and fans and pave the way for new memories. Everyone is welcome here to share their love of the game.”

On the adjacent side of the base: “Since 1924, the Boston Bruins have been woven into the fabric of our city with the same courage, passion and heart as our hometown. A hundred years of unforgettable shared moments will be remembered and cherished. Centuries to come.”

The new monument — six feet tall and 10 feet long, composed of 90 bronze pieces welded together into one piece weighing more than 3,500 pounds — is the creation of sculptor Harry Weber, who also created the dramatic statue of Orr in 2010 just a few rink lengths away at the North Station. This statue commemorates the legendary defenseman’s legendary flying celebration that just won the Stanley Cup in Game 4 of overtime against the St. Louis Blues in 1970.

A century ago, when the Bruins briefly went 1-0 undefeated in their NHL lives, at least one Boston Globe editor wasn’t responsible for the celebration.