Adam McQuaid (Photo: SlidingSideways/ Flickr)

This week as we take a look at the Eastern Conference with our main focus on the Boston Bruins.  Now, before you think this post is bias due to the fact that I am the Bruins lead writer here on Aerys, let me assure you that this really was Angelica’s pick…sort of.  She gave me free reign and said a Bruin hadn’t been done, so we picked the Bruin member together. However, that’s besides the point. This week’s Unsung Hero is defenseman Adam McQuaid.

McQuaid is best known for his business in the front, party in the back kick-ass mullet hairstyle that he was given at the Cuts for a Cause Charity Event two years ago.  McQuaid earned his roster spot in the 2010-2011 Stanley Cup season as he posted career-best totals with 3 goals and 12 assists for 15 points and managed to spend 96 minutes in the penalty box.

Last season McQuaid appeared in 72 games, missing a few with an eye injury and concussion symptoms.  In those 72 games he scored 2 goals and had 8 assists.

In addition to being a strong defenseman, McQuaid isn’t afraid to drop the gloves to protect his goalie or sacrifice himself.  Especially sacrifice himself.  In the three occasions where McQuaid got injured last season it was because of the positioning he put himself in to protect the puck and left himself vulnerable.  Hands down Adam is the first guy to put himself out on the line and take one for the team, including dropping the gloves against his opponent. Check out this video:

Yeah, it’s safe to say that Adam McQuaid can hold his own.  He’s this week’s Unsung Hero because without his physicality and dedication to the Bruins Organization the team dynamic wouldn’t be the same. His tenacity, bad ass persona and tough guy exterior fit a mold that is only suitable for a Boston Bruin.