Ryan Donato wore No. 16 all throughout his hockey life. His favorite number wasn’t available when he made the trek across the Charles River to begin his professional hockey career.
The Bruins had another idea in mind regarding No. 16. This discussion wasn’t up for debate, nor should it have been.
That idea came to fruition Thursday night when the Bruins raised the No. 16 banner high atop the TD Garden rafters to honor Rick Middleton.
Many of the younger Bruins like Donato never saw Middleton play in person. But the former Harvard standout heard plenty of stories from his father, Ted, who grew up idolizing the Nifty.