NORWOOD (CBS) – In a region full of Bruins fans, Matt Brown of Norwood isn’t a Johnny-come-lately.

“I think the boys can do it,” says the 16-year-old hockey player.

Brown has a special relationship with Bruins center Patrice Bergeron: a relationship born out of adversity.

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Last year, Matt broke his neck in a hockey game, playing for Norwood High. And one of the first Bruins to visit him in the hospital was Bergeron.

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“He wrote me a note, and it still hangs over my bed,” says Matt, “and I’d say we’re now friends.”

Matt plans on watching the game tonight from the family basement, along with many of his teammates.

“The boys will invade the house,” says his older sister Kelley, “but it’s always been like that on game nights.”

As for the game, Matt is hoping that the Bruins score first…and often.

“If we can put it in the net first, things will go well,” he says, “then we can light-up Luongo.”