Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 to win the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Darius Muasau #53 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates holding the championship belt after defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 to win the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant #1 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after catching a pass for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins passes against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant #1 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after catching a pass for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant #1 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after catching a pass for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant #1 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive lineman Grayson Murphy #12 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after sacking quarterback CJ Tiller (not pictured) of the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Ryan Cragun #10 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for yardage against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive back Alex Johnson #36 of the UCLA Bruins intercepts pass intended for wide receiver Billy Bowens #18 of the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive back Jaylin Davies #24 of the UCLA Bruins and teammate linebacker JonJon Vaughns #21 of the UCLA Bruins tackles wide receiver Billy Bowens #18 of the Boise State Broncos for loss of yards in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive back Alex Johnson #36 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for wide receiver Billy Bowens #18 of the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive back Alex Johnson #36 of the UCLA Bruins intercepts pass intended for wide receiver Billy Bowens #18 of the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant #1 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with security guard Mark Country Smith after catching a pass for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins would leave the game after a injury against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant #1 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for first down against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Kyle Ford #19 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins reacts toward an official in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game against the Boise State Broncos at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins reacts toward an official in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game against the Boise State Broncos at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down and would leave the game after a injury against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive lineman Grayson Murphy #12 of the UCLA Bruins reacts with teammate defensive lineman Jay Toia #93 of the UCLA Bruins after sacking quarterback CJ Tiller (not pictured) of the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive back Jaylin Davies #24 of the UCLA Bruins knocks away a pass against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins would leave the game after a injury against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive lineman Grayson Murphy #12 of the UCLA Bruins sacks quarterback CJ Tiller #0 of the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins would leave the game after a injury against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins would leave the game after a injury against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant #1 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for first down against the Boise State Broncos in the second half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins walks off the field with quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins after defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 to win the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins hugs teammate quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins after defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 to win the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Darius Muasau #53 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates holding the championship belt after defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 to win the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
UCLA Bruins celebrates after defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 to win the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rob Gronkowski sings the national anthem prior to the LA Bowl Football game between the UCLA Bruins and the Boise State Broncos at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins scrambles for yardage against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Tight end Hudson Habermehl #81 of the UCLA Bruins catches pass for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Boise State Broncos mascot runs onto the field to retrieve the tee after a kick in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game between the UCLA Bruins and the Boise State Broncos at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a yardage against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos runs for yardage against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Darius Muasau, right, of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with Rob Gronkowski , center, after defeating the Boise State Broncos 35-22 to win the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Billy Bowens #18 of the Boise State Broncos drops pass in the end zone against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Place kicker Blake Glessner #39 of the UCLA Bruins signs autograph prior to the LA Bowl Football game between the UCLA Bruins and the Boise State Broncos at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Tight end Hudson Habermehl #81 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Boise State Broncos fans celebrate a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins runs for yardage against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos runs a first down over linebacker Darius Muasau #53 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back George Holani #24 of the Boise State Broncos runs for a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins reacts after a flag in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game against the Boise State Broncos at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The LA Bowl Football game between the UCLA Bruins and the Boise State Broncos at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back TJ Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for yardage against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Tight end Hudson Habermehl #81 of the UCLA Bruins catches pass for touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos runs for a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back George Holani #24 of the Boise State Broncos celebrates after running for a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins looks on against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins rects against thee Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins passes for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Collin Schlee #9 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down against the Boise State Broncos in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos runs past linebacker Kain Medrano #20 of the UCLA Bruins for a first down in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback CJ Tiller #0 of the Boise State Broncos passes against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Boise State Broncos fans celebrates after a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of the LA Bowl Football game at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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LOS ANGELES — UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers might not have been feeling 100% healthy heading into Saturday’s LA Bowl against Boise State, but he had no hesitation stepping onto the field when starting quarterback Collin Schlee exited the game due to injury.
What followed was a furious comeback at SoFi Stadium that included a 21-point third quarter and a 35-22 win over the Broncos (8-6) and the Bruins’ first bowl game win since 2015.
“When I looked out there and the team needed me, that’s my biggest priority,” Garbers told reporters after the game. “I sacrifice my body for the team, for these guys. We put blood, sweat, and tears into it. And at the end of the day, it’s all for them.”
UCLA (8-5) came back from a nine-point halftime deficit to win the game. Garbers was named the game’s offensive MVP and announced at the postgame press conference that he plans to return to UCLA next season.
Schlee sprinted down the sideline for a 44-yard run early in the third quarter on the play on which he was injured. He looked dazed, but had movement in his extremities and was able to walk off the field with assistance.
Garbers stepped in made back-to-back passes to Kyle Ford, the latter of which was good for a five-yard touchdown. He ended up completing 9 of 12 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bruins were able to score on their next two drives. J.Michael Sturdivant hauled in a 39-yard pass from Garbers for a first down and three plays later, TJ Harden (105 rushing yards) scored on a one-yard run to give UCLA a 21-16 advantage.
Garbers hit Sturdivant with another long pass, this one of 41 yards, for a first down on the next drive, and Harden finished the scoring effort off with a 14-yard run. The Bruins went 70 yards in three plays for the touchdown. Garbers and Sturdivant teamed up for one final 40-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Sturdivant logged a career-high 142 receiving yards, which was also the most in a single game out of all UCLA players this season.
“That’s just all the work we’ve put in since he got here last January,” Garbers said. “At that point when we were out there, it’s just muscle memory and we’ve done it so many times. We just we called it and we got the right look and we executed.”
Boise State ended its first two drives of the game with field goals by Jonah Dalmas, giving the Broncos an early 6-0 lead over the Bruins with 4:06 left in the first quarter.
Boise State quarterback CJ Tiller, a Rancho Cucamonga High School product, went 12-for-21 passing for 117 yards in his collegiate debut.
UCLA squeezed in a touchdown with 48 seconds left in the opening frame. Collin Schlee appeared to run out of options, bolt up the middle, then shovel a pass to Hudson Habermehl who was waiting unguarded in the end zone. Habermehl told media earlier in the week that he intends to return to UCLA next season.
Dalmas hit a 33-yard field goal a minute into the second quarter and Boise State scored its first touchdown of he evening late in the frame. The Broncos used a series of short runs and barely converted on fourth down before George Holani punched it in from one yard out.
It was the fourth rushing touchdown that the UCLA defense gave up this year. Boise State’s 215 rushing yards were the most given up all season by a defense without edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who opted out of the bowl game.
“The first half, we weren’t really playing to the standard we set for ourselves,” linebacker Darius Muasau, the game’s defensive MVP, said. “So going into the locker room, we had a captain step up, give a little speech, and that’s all we needed to kick our butts.”
The Bruins move to 2-0 all time against Boise State after previously beating the Broncos in 1999 at the Rose Bowl.
The bowl game win closes out the season for UCLA, which now turns its attention to finding a new defensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and tight ends coach as it readies for the move to the Big 10 conference.
For the departing players, however, the season-ending win is just how they want to remember UCLA football.
“I love this game with all I got,” Muasau said. “I wouldn’t want to end it with any other team than the UCLA Bruins. We trust one another and we love one another so much and that’s how we play.”
