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Ready To Play Hockey Again, Bruins Apologize To Fans

BOSTON (CBS) -  The Boston Bruins took the ice on Monday, just a day after learning the NHL Lockout will soon come to an end.

Eight members of the Bruins skated at Boston University's Agganis Arena on Monday, taking part in a brief workout and scrimmage as they prepare for what will likely be a 48-game season.

As was expected, the group is just happy to be back together.

"There is a bond in there, and when you're away from the rink you really realize how close you are with your teammates," forward Brad Marchand said of the B's locker room. "It's so much fun being around the guys every day; being in the room and on the road with them. The camaraderie we have in the room is pretty awesome. "

Read: Burning Questions For Bruins, NHL Following Lockout

"[I'm] very excited," added Marchand. "It's been a long few months and we really can't wait to get back on the ice and play in front of the fans again."

Marchand On Return Of Hockey: 

As for those fans, the Bruins want to apologize for the lack of hockey over the past four months.

"We have to apologize for another lockout, but we appreciate everyone's support throughout this time," said Marchand. "We're very excited to get back and play in front of everyone. Hopefully we can put on a good show for them again."

"We're lucky to have some of the best fans in hockey and across the world," said forward Milan Lucic. "It's unfortunate what happened and it took this long for the season to start, but we've been good as a team and we've been good because we've been able to thrive off of them. The crowd coming and showing their appreciation obviously helped us push to a Stanley Cup in 2011, and for us to be successful we'll need their support again."

"We all hope to see everyone back," he said. "We love our fans, I love my fans and I can't wait to see them all dressed in black and gold at the Garden."

"Hopefully we can move on from here," added forward Tyler Seguin. "We're going to play our hearts out for the next 48 games, and do it for the fans out there."

Seguin was one of the handful of Bruins to take his talents overseas during the lockout, racking up 25 goals and 15 assists in 29 games in the Swiss League. He is hoping to carry that success back overseas, because the with a short schedule the Bruins know they'll need to get off to a hot start right out of the gates.

"We're going to have to have a really solid training camp here and everyone needs to get right back into sync and get that chemistry back if it's been lost over the last few months," said Seguin. "We have to come out very strong; it's hard to start off 1-6 or 1-7 with this short season, so we'll have to come out tough and strong."

Seguin On Bruins, NHL Returning: 

"I think the first few games will be a little sloppy, but everyone will be pushing as hard as they can every game," said Marchand. "It's going to mean so much more with such a short schedule. If you go on a bad run to start the year, you can really push yourself out of playoff position. Everyone has to bear down and make sure every game counts."

Watch: Shawn Thornton On Sports Final

While no deal has been signed yet, training camp is expected to begin this weekend with the season getting underway January 19.

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