Boston Reporter auditions for Bruins Ice Girls

A twirl as an ice girl
By:Jill Radsken
The Boston Herald
September 2, 2013

When my editor asked me to try out to be a Boston Bruins Ice Girl, I gave it a cool reception.

“It’ll be fun,” she said, “and you can get the inside scoop on being the ultimate B’s booster.”

And thus, I found myself one day last week checking into Walter Brown Arena for my audition. I was Number 52, and headed to the locker room.

One look at the competition and it was clear — I’m nearly old enough to be their mother (a young mother, but still). I find a banker and a recent graduate from the University of Vermont in the mix. One of the friendliest faces belongs to Rachel Sibley, a special education aide who is painting over a tattoo on the side of her rib cage with concealer.

“I’m a Revs Girl,” she said, hoping the promotional experience will give her an edge.

There are 15 to 20 Ice Girls on the squad, and they have to commit to motivating fans at 30 of the team’s home games and 10 community appearances. This audition hopes to fill seven to 10 spots, I’m told.

A current Ice Girl hands out the written test.

I can easily name three Bruins players who have had their numbers retired: Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque and Cam Neely.

I also know the length of a minor penalty.

But my diagram of a hockey rink takes some misguided creative license, and I have no idea who the Bruins play for the upcoming season-opening game.

Next up is the individual interview, which gives me a boost. I respond to the favorite player question with Andrew Ference, and when they ask whom I would call first to tell I got the Ice Girl job, I answer honestly.

“My kids. My 12-year-old is a huge Bruins fan.”

Then it’s rink time. Although I have figure-skated for years, this is my first time in hockey skates and the missing toe pick and shorter blade are painfully tricky to navigate.

I whiff within a minute of getting on the ice. I’m embarrassed, and freezing in a tank top. Thirty minutes of drills — round the boards, wave and cheer, then skate to each line, pick up the puck and wave to imaginary fans — are draining.

“You looked pretty comfortable out there,” says Brandon Anthony, who manages the Ice Girls for the Bruins.

I am still thawing out when Anthony brings the entire group of 50 girls together to make his first cut. In a room full of bra tops and Victoria’s Secret Pink shorts, I feel a bit self-conscious in my tank, which actually covers my midriff.

Then he reads “52.”

Goal!

Though thrilled to make the first cut, this reporter is leaving the Ice Girl experience to her talented fellow auditioners.

Bruins Now Accepting 2012-13 Ice Girl Applications

The Boston Bruins are now accepting applications for energetic, charismatic and outgoing individuals to become part of the 2012-13 Boston Bruins Ice Girls team. The Boston Bruins Ice Girls will take part in various promotions, motivate fans during Bruins home games, represent the team in the community and participate in various events throughout the season. Applicants must be at least 18-years-old to be considered.

Applications are available here and are due by Friday, August 17, at 5:00 p.m.

Auditions for the girls selected will take place Thursday, August 30 at the TD Garden.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions:

Is being a Boston Bruins Ice Girl a full-time job?
No. Most Ice Girls attend college, hold full-time or part-time jobs. However, being an Ice Girl is time consuming and requires commitment and passion.

Do I need to have skating or dancing experience to audition?
No. The role of an Ice Girl involves more than skating or dancing and includes duties both on and off the ice at Boston Bruins home games and at events in the community.

Is there an age requirement?
All participants MUST be 18 years of age or older. Photo identifications will be checked at the time of auditions. Those without proper ID will not be eligible to audition.

Are there any height or weight requirements?

There are no specific requirements; however the uniform demands a lean figure. Being physically fit is part of the athletic image of the Boston Bruins Ice Girls.

What do the judges look for?

Knowledge of the Boston Bruins
Charisma
Personality
Energy
Poise
Physically fit appearance

How can I apply?
Interested applicants can either download or fill out the application at BostonBruins.com. Applicants must submit the following by 5pm on August 17:

Completed Boston Bruins Ice Girl Application
Two non-returnable photos of yourself

You can submit your application in two ways…

Print and mail application with two non-returnable photos of yourself to:

Boston Bruins
Attention: Brandon Anthony/Ice Girls
100 Legends Way
Boston, MA 02114

Fill out the online application at BostonBruins.com

When and where are the Auditions? *(Invite Only)*

Date: Thursday, August 30
Location: TD Garden

Qualified applicants will be contacted directly if invited to auditions.

SI.com: NHL Ice Crews

This week, Sports Illustrated has photos from just about every team that has Ice Girls: the Ducks, Bruins, Flames, Storm, Blackhawks, Bluejackets, Stars, Oilers, Kings, Panthers, Predators, Islanders, Flyers, Penguins, and Lightning. Click here to go there now.

Bruins Ice Girls Grow One for the Team

Boston Bruins: BOSTON, MA – The “Bruins Beard-A-Thon” is underway and fans are invited to grow their own playoff beards for the duration of the team’s 2012 Stanley Cup playoff run. The “Bruins Beard-A-Thon” gives Bruins fans the opportunity to show their support for the team and raise money for the Boston Bruins Foundation.

The hockey playoff beard is an age-old tradition for players participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Fans can join in on the tradition by “growing one for the team” and inviting family, friends and business associates to make a pledge towards their playoff beards.

Fans can create their “Bruins Beard-A-Thon” profile by uploading their photo at www.beardathon.com/bruins. Participants can choose to grow their own beard and update their growth throughout the playoffs or they can grow their beard virtually by choosing the ‘Build-A-Beard’ option, giving women and children an opportunity to get h

Beard growers may pledge themselves by making a donation and their friends and family can also support their efforts at anytime by making a one-time pledge (minimum $10). Throughout the playoffs, participants who raise the most money will have the opportunity to win playoff tickets and a grand prize will be awarded to the overall top fundraiser.

The “Bruins Beard-A-Thon” has raised $160,000 to date and was the NHL’s top raising team during the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs will mark the fourth year of the Beard-A-Thon program. Since its inception, more than $1,000,000 has been raised for individual team charities from over 16,000 participants league-wide.