Bruins Fans Will Chuckle About Red Sox Reliever’s ‘Worst Decision’

An Australian in MLB is a rare sight and so is an Aussie who is an NHL fan.

Liam Hendriks established himself as one of the best relief pitchers in the game, and his inspirational fight against cancer made him a perfect fit for the Boston Red Sox. The 35-year-old is trying to make his way back from Tommy John surgery, but he had time to join NESN’s Tom Caron on the “310 To Left” podcast this week.

Hendriks spoke about his hockey fandom and explained how he became a Montreal Canadiens fan. His wife was a skater and encouraged him to pick a hockey team. The Habs were on a good run, so he picked them. The right-hander admitted it was the “worst decision” of his life, but he’s fully embraced the team despite its lows.

“I watch every game. I’m full bore into it,” Hendriks told Caron. “It’s become more of an obsession than anything else. I’ve got the P.K. Subban-signed jersey at the house. I got the Max Pacioretty-signed hat. I got a (Brendan) Gallagher, a (Cole) Caufield, a (Nick) Suzuki, a (Carey) Price jersey signed at the house.”

Hendriks stressed he was a hockey fan and would support the Boston Bruins as long as they weren’t playing the Canadiens, which the Black and Gold will do in their home opener next season. He also offered opportunities to field groundballs to Bruins players like he did with Steven Stamkos.

The Red Sox reliever also revealed his wife does own a Bobby Orr Massachusetts license plate, so perhaps that might help Bruins fans forgive him for being a supporter of their Original Six rival.