Legendary Boston Bruins and Red Sox sportscaster Tom Larson dies aged 84

Legendary Boston sportscaster Tom Larson has died at the age of 84.

Larson’s son Jeff told the Boston Globe that his father died Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from complications of cancer.

Larson was beloved in the New England area for his coverage of the Bruins.

The sportscaster, born Lanny Lee Larason, adopted his screen name in 1969. Larson moved to Boston after stints in Peoria, Illinois and Lasing, Michigan.

During the 1969–70 season, Larson became the host of the Bruins’ pregame and postgame studio program on Boston’s Channel 38.

In 1981, Larson famously pledged not to shave his beard until the Bruins won the Stanley Cup again

Larson’s career began in Boston when the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 1970 and 1972.

In 1981, Larson famously vowed not to shave his beard until they won the prestigious trophy again.

Larson was true to his word when the Bruins failed to win the title for the next three decades.

“They called me ‘Pinko,’ ‘Commie’ and (said) they couldn’t enjoy watching the hockey game because Larson had a beard and everything,” Larson said.

The Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 1970 after Larson started playing games for Channel 38

“But it struck me that if I said I wasn’t going to shave it until the Bruins won the Stanley Cup, the reaction would be different. It would be, “Yes Larson, okay!” Now it is linked to the Bruins’ success.’

When Larson finally shaved his beard in 2011, he said he grew accustomed to keeping it in anticipation of another title. Larson laughed and said he would probably grow it back.

“I had no idea it would last 30 years,” Larson admitted.

Larson served as sports director for WHDH radio from 1981-1988.

He then went on to work for the New England Sports Network as a contributing writer and television host for the Red Sox.