Bruins apologize for racist Twitter posts

The Boston Bruins released a statement apologizing after several people — many purporting to be the team's fans — directed racist slurs at Joel Ward, the Game 7 winning goal scorer for the Washington Capitals.

"The Bruins are very disappointed by the racist comments that were made following the game last night," the statement read. "These classless, ignorant views are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization."

A collection of the tweets appeared on www.chirpstory.com Wednesday night within an hour of game's end, which occurred when Ward helpled eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champion with a goal early in overtime for the 2-1 Washington win.

Some of the posts came from those identifying themselves as Bruins fans, although others came from accounts whose avatars featured the logos of other NHL clubs.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who maintains a blog, expressed his disgust Thursday with the tweets.

"Shame on these folks who decided to take to their keyboards and show their ignorance and their racism and hate," Leonsis wrote.

Leonsis said he hoped the people would be publicly identified so that they "pay a huge price for their beliefs."