Boston Burnt to the Ground 2014-01-18 RIOTS BLAMED ON HOCKEY GAME BOSTON, MA- Smoke filled the air as the downtown core was a blur of flames and ash from the overnight rioting. Thousands of citizens packed the Quincy Market area to protest the MRFHL's decision to have the annual All-Star Game in Toronto this year. They marched down the streets chanting "Fire Valente" and "Toronto Sucks" throughout the afternoon as they held up traffic and inconvienienced many as they tried to get home Friday. Officials state that hundreds have been injured and at least thirteen have been confirmed dead as the loud yet peaceful marches turned violent around 6:45pm. Police stuggled to control order and by 7:30 pm, the call for the National Guard had been made. After continuous attempts to sustain the area of damage, the authorities backed off to a perimeter to limit the violence from spreading to the suburbs. Transit was halted to the affected area and all traffic was rerouted around the riot zone. After several unsuccessful attempts to reclaim the area, Police finally gained control of the situation around 1am, as the rioters were starting to thin out. The aftermath of the damage is said to be in the billions as cars have been set ablaze, stores looted, and buildings burnt. A large portion of the Boston Common was torched but was said to be quickly contained by the fire department. The TD Gardens was said to be completely destroyed, including the head of the Bobby Orr statue being ripped off, as rioters targeted the Bruins arena early and quickly. The Mayor declared a state of emergency and asked for the federal government's help in rebuilding and cleanup. According to souces within the Bruins organization, GM Steven Valente has been taken to a secret location in New Hampshire for his protection, and the club has annouced that it will play the remainder of its home games in the Dunkin Donuts Arena in Providence, RI.
