Though most of the players didn't get to choose their costumes, the 6-foot-6 Carlo was happy to grab Donkey Kong. He said he always chose the character while playing the video game.
"Every opportunity I've had, especially the in-person ones," said Carlo, of being a frequent participant in the event. "I think it's a great thing. It's a lot of fun. You see the smile on the kids' faces when you walk in in the silly costumes, and I think we've got a couple over there that will raise some eyebrows."
Though it's possible that some of them might bring smiles to a few other faces, as well. Forbort acknowledged that he had to make a quick stop for gas on the way to the hospital visits.
"I might get a couple looks filling up the tank there," he said.
But the best part for most of the players was returning to the in-person nature of the visits after the pandemic hiatus.
"Even more special this year," Bergeron said, who added that Patrice's Pals, where he brings children from hospitals and other organizations to games at TD Garden and meets with them after, has also returned this season.
Foligno, more than anyone else, has an intimate understanding of what it's like for the kids they visit.
The Foligno family has had a longtime relationship with Boston Children's Hospital, dating back to his days with the Columbus Blue Jackets, after his daughter, Milana, was born with a congenital heart defect.
Foligno even tried his hand at the Wario laugh.
"It makes for a fun day," Foligno said. "I think we're just excited about going to see those kids, hopefully putting a smile on their face. They end up putting a smile on ours."
