Festivities began with a brief ceremony at TD Garden, where a few players and head coach Claude Julien addressed the crowd.
The Bruins captured their sixth Stanley Cup title in franchise history, and first in 39 years, on Wednesday with a 4-0 triumph in Game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks.
“You guys wanted it, we got it and we want to share it with you today,” said goaltender Tim Thomas, who captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. “Let’s have some fun.”
Julien thanked the fans and also other Boston championship coaches — Red Sox manager Terry Francona, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Celtics head coach Doc Rivers — for their support during the playoffs.
“Even before winning a championship, they made me feel I was part of their group,” said Julien. “But now at least with a championship, you really feel like you belong, so thanks to them, and thanks to you.”
Team captain Zdeno Chara handed the Cup to club president and former Bruins star Cam Neely, who held it aloft before the cheering crowd.
After the brief rally, team members and club officials boarded duck boats, which are designed for travel through the city streets as well as water.
The parade route started at Causeway Street, wove past City Hall Plaza and went down Tremont Street along Boston Common before a right turn on Boylston Street, ending at Copley Square.
Thousands of fans, many dressed in black and gold, lined the streets to cheer the team as they passed.
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