Boston Bruins alumni Rick Middleton will be the “guest celebrity” at 5th Annual Cross Border Expo sponsored by the Greater Haverhill and Salem, N.H. Chambers of Commerce
The expo takes place Thursday, Oct 23 from 4: to 7 p.m. at the Northern Essex Community College gymnasium, 100 Elliot St., Haverhill. Admission is free.
Middleton began his professional hockey career as the first-round draft pick for the New York Rangers in 1974. He finished off the season with a flourish as rookie of the year in the American Hockey League, and then played left wing with the Rangers for two years before he was traded to the Boston Bruins in 1976 for Ken Hodge. After a few years, sportswriters began calling it one of the most lopsided deals in recent hockey history, in favor of the Bruins. Things were looking pretty bright right from the start of Middleton’s arrival in Boston, as he scored a hat-trick in his first-ever game as a Bruin.
By 1985, Middleton had earned his place as captain of the Bruins. In 1987-88 Middleton played his last of his 12 seasons with the Bruins. He retired from the game after recording 448 goals, 540 assists for 988 in 1,005 games.
The event opens with a live performance by Boston Bruins home game National Anthem singer Rene Rancourt. Rancourt has professionally sung the U.S. and Canadian national anthems at Boston Bruins home games for the past 35 years.
The 2004, 2007 and 2013 Red Sox World Series Trophies will also be featured. Attendees are welcome to have their photographs taken with the trophies. Organizers say the Cross Border Expo offers consumers the opportunity to directly connect with businesses throughout Southern New Hampshire, the Merrimack Valley and beyond. Exhibitors include restaurants, retailers, professional services, salons, spas, banks, non-profits and more. Exhibitors will offer food tastings, discounts, and direct sales to promote their goods and services. Last year the event hosted 100 vendors and more than 1,000 attendees.