Orr pens letter to 'true heroes' at Massachusetts hospital

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.

Bobby Orr is expressing his gratitude toward healthcare professionals in Boston battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The hockey legend wrote a letter thanking workers at Massachusetts General Hospital. Here's the full note, which the hospital published Monday:

This message is for everybody currently on the front lines at Mass General, doing what you all do so well. Thank you to the physicians, nurses, technicians, custodians, administrators, supply handlers - everyone there who is contributing in these unprecedented times. The battle against COVID-19 could never be managed without your tireless dedication, and please know that the people you serve understand your commitment, and we do not take it for granted.

This pandemic has yet against demonstrated what everyone at Mass General is made of as you go about your daily routines. You are not only saving lives at your wonderful facilities - you are also protecting so many more people beyond your hospital walls as a function of your best efforts. It strikes me that the word 'hero' is often used to describe athletes in our society, but in my eyes, YOU are the true heroes that I personally look up to and your are constantly on my mind. This virus is no game, so we need real-life heroes to step up and bring it under control. Thankfully, that is exactly what you are doing.

Undoubtedly, the days and weeks ahead will test us all in many ways. But none will be tested more than those of you who continue to manage, treat and research the virus day after day after day. Given your efforts and expertise, I have great confidence in the eventual outcome of this pandemic, in no small measure because of the excellence I have personally witnessed at Mass General.

To all of you, please ... keep on fighting the good fight, and thank you so much for all you do.

With great respect,

Bobby Orr

The 72-year-old, who's widely considered the best NHL defenseman of all time, is the latest hockey figure to show support for healthcare workers. Several others, including Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney, shared messages thanking them on National Doctors' Day last week.

Copyright (C) 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.