Hockey world reacts to Boston Marathon tragedy

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Hockey fans around North America were tracking the progress of Patrick Burke, the founder of the player equality “You Can Play” campaign, as he competed in the 2013 Boston Marathon. The son of former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, he was using the race as a way to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

We all have our entry points for a story of tragedy, and many hockey fans immediately thought of Burke after multiple explosions went off around the finish line of the race on Monday afternoon. Police confirmed that two people were dead and over 20 were injured after the blast.

Burke took to social media to let his followers know that he wasn’t affected by the blast, and offered concern for those that were.

Folks I am ok. Mom and sisters too. Was no where near finish line at time. Working on friends and family now.

— Patrick Burke (@BurkieYCP) April 15, 2013

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Holy crap, media people. even if I did have an interesting story here the idea that I would do an interview when people are dead is appaling

— Patrick Burke (@BurkieYCP) April 15, 2013

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Previously, Burke sent out a tongue-in-cheek message about his running in the Marathon that’s flat out eerie in context:

In case I don't make it, I want my last words to be- I love my family. I love hockey. And I hate the instigator rule.

— Patrick Burke (@BurkieYCP) April 15, 2013

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Dylan McIlrath, a New York Rangers prospect who skates for the Connecticut Whale, was at the Marathon when the explosions went off:

Wow scary moment. Was walking towards Boston marathon finish line. 10mins away from where bomb went off

— Dylan McIlrath (@dylan_mcilrath) April 15, 2013

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Winnipeg Free Press writer Gary Lawless reports that a vice president for True North, which owns the Winnipeg Jets, was close to the blast:

Can confirm #truenorth VP Kevin Donnelly had just completed Boston and was 100 yards from scene. Is safe but saw it all #bn #NHLJets

— gary lawless (@garylawless) April 15, 2013

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Here’s Analeena Rosa, who ran in the Marathon and lists her self as an “NHL girlfriend.”

marathon on lockdown because of bombs (explosions) near the finish line, aka officially scared shitless?

— Analeena Rosa (@analeenarosa) April 15, 2013

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The hockey world also reacted to the incident. Here’s Michael Grabner of the New York Islanders:

Terrible news about the #bostonmarathon ..thoughts go out to everyone there and people stay safe #horrible

— Michael Grabner (@grabs40) April 15, 2013

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Here’s Tyler Seguin of the Boston Bruins:

Hope this was just a horrible accident. Prayers to everyone around the area that they are okay.

— Tyler Seguin (@tylerseguin92) April 15, 2013

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And here’s Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference:

This is not good in Boston right now. Explosions at the marathon on Boylston.

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— Andrew Ference (@Ferknuckle) April 15, 2013

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Way too many friends down there today, I feel sick.

— Andrew Ference (@Ferknuckle) April 15, 2013

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Use FaceTime if you want to get your loved ones, only way I got through to my girls.

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— Andrew Ference (@Ferknuckle) April 15, 2013

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We'll update with more hockey-related runners and observers as we get them. No word on the Bruins' game against the Ottawa Senators tonight quite yet.