'Bam-Bam Cam' Neely

Cam Neely Boston Bruins T-shirt

The sports illustration above features Cam Neely aka 'Bam-Bam Cam' of the Boston Bruins by Mudge Studios. The t-shirt art was commissioned by the Corporate Image in Boston in 1993.

Well, Cam is only about a year younger than myself- so I had the opportunity to follow his NHL career with my home team. Cam started his NHL career getting drafted 9th and then playing  three seasons with the Canucks. He would then be traded and go onto play with our Boston Bruins for another decade where he would wrap up a spectacular career with the Black and Gold. Although hampered by significant injuries- specifically to his knee which would keep him out of action for nearly two seasons in the early 1990's, Cam Neely managed to astound the league with his scoring prowess. Cam was also known for his bone jarring body checks and his ability to throw down the gloves. Neely would go on to define the power forward position… literally! Cam Neely scored fifty goals in three seasons. Cam is also in the NHL's top twelve when it comes to career goals per game as well. Cam Neely was also fan favorite playing in five All Star games. Unfortunately, Cam was forced into early retirement after the 95-96 season. No, it wasn't his knee that pressed the issue: it was a bad hip. Being the intense competitor that he is, Cam would campaign to make a return in '98 to the game that he dearly loves. His heart said yes while his body pushed back with a devastating NO. Cam Neely was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. Cam returned to the Bruins two years later accepting the role as Vice President of the organization. Neely was eventually named President of Our Boston Bruins in 2010 and delivered us the coveted Stanley Cup that same season!  Always a proud moment to see Cam Neely's number 8 hanging from the Garden rafters.

Photo of Actual Artwork used for the t-shirt above.