BOSTON – Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron is retiring from the National Hockey League after 19 seasons in Boston.
“It is with all my heart and much gratitude that I announce my retirement as a professional hockey player today.” Bergeron said in a statement posted on the Bruins’ official website.
In nearly 1,300 games with the Bruins, the 38-year-old forward scored 427 goals, had 613 assists and totaled 1,040 points.
“For the past 20 years, I have been able to live my dream every day. I’ve had the honor of playing in front of the best fans in the world in a Bruins uniform and representing my country at the highest levels of the international game,” the veteran forward said in a statement. “I’ve given the game everything I have physically and emotionally, and the game has given back more than I could have imagined.”
Bergeron was a key member of Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup championship season. He also played in two other Stanley Cup Finals with the Bruins in 2013 and 2019.
The Quebec native also won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada and one gold at the IIHF World Championship.
He was named the 2023 Frank J. Selke Trophy winner for being the league’s top defensive forward. It’s an award he’s won a record six times.
Bergeron was named Bruins captain when longtime leader Zdeno Chara left Boston for Washington in 2020 and was the team’s 45th overall pick in the 2003 draft.
His decision to call it a career comes after a historic regular season in which the Bruins finished with an NHL all-time best of 65 wins and 135 points.
“When I walked away today, I have no regrets. I just have gratitude for living my dream and excitement for what’s next for me and my family,” Bergeron added. “I left it all out there and I’m honored and humbled to represent this amazing city and for the fans of the Boston Bruins.”
His departure from the team leaves a void in the middle of the Bruins’ lineup.
The No. 37 jersey he proudly raised will undoubtedly be retired in the TD Garden rafters.
Patrice, there are not enough words to describe the impact you’ve made on our organization, your teammates, the people you’ve worked with, the fans you’ve given your all for, and the city and region you’ve represented so well.
You have done everything with the utmost respect, class and… pic.twitter.com/8KIN4wqpIw
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 25, 2023
Read Bergeron’s full statement below:
When I was about 12, a teacher asked everyone in my class to write about our dreams. For me, my dream was already clear: to be a professional hockey player.
I was probably a little naive growing up, because in my mind this dream was never a matter of if, but when it would happen. The road to making my dreams come true was not easy. I faced adversity and made many sacrifices, but throughout it all my love for the game only grew and my determination to achieve my goals always remained strong.
For the past 20 years I have been able to live my dream every day. I have had the honor of playing in front of the best fans in the world in a Bruins uniform and representing my country at the highest levels of the international game. I have given the game everything I have physically and emotionally, and the game has given back more than I could have imagined.
It is with all my heart and much gratitude that I announce my retirement as a professional hockey player today.
As hard as it is to write, I also write this knowing how lucky and fortunate I feel to have had the career I’ve had, and to have the opportunity to leave the game I love on my own terms. It was not a decision I made lightly. But after listening to my body and talking to my family, I know in my heart that this is the right time to walk away from the game I love.
I also know that none of this was possible on my own, and I would humbly like to take this opportunity to recognize a few people who have helped me achieve my goals and who have made my career so special.
From my minor hockey days in Quebec City to junior high in Acadie-Bathurst, there were so many coaches, teammates and parents that helped me fall in love with hockey. Thank you for laying the foundation for what became a lifelong passion.
In 2003, the Bruins drafted me, and from the moment I put on my draft jersey, everyone in the organization believed in me. I want to thank the Jacobs family, team management, coaches, trainers, support staff, team doctors and psychologists, scouts and TD Garden staff. The commitment of this group of people and the constant support on and off the ice made wearing the Black and Gold so special every day.
One of the best parts of pulling on the Radio B jersey is the incredible history of the franchise. The players that have come before me have always welcomed me with open arms and have always been there with encouragement, to listen and help me better understand the tradition and responsibilities that come with playing for the Bruins.
Although it is not always easy, I always did my best to understand that part of being a professional hockey player included my responsibility to the media that helped tell our story to the fans. I’ve enjoyed getting to know some of you personally over the years and have always appreciated being fairly covered and the work the media has done to tell our team’s story.
Over the past 20 years I have had the honor of taking the ice with so many great teammates. I’ve tried to learn something from each and every one of you and I’ve always tried to be the best teammate I could be. I will never forget your confidence, laughter, endless memories, ups and downs and ultimately, long lasting friendships. I will always be grateful to be a part of such an outstanding group of men and I will forever carry the pride of winning in 2011.
The wonderful people of New England welcomed a young French Canadian who didn’t speak much English and you treated me like one of your own. I can’t imagine representing a better community or a more passionate fan base than the Boston Bruins. Your passion, dedication and kindness to me and my family will never be forgotten. Please know that every time I took the ice I tried to compete for you the right way, and off the ice I did everything I could to give back to the community that supported me. The connections and friends my family and I have made here are beyond quantifiable. Boston is, and will forever be, a special place for me and my family.
There’s only one other jersey I’ve ever wanted to wear, and that’s the Canadian jersey. Representing my country at the highest level, especially winning gold in Vancouver and Sochi are also some of my proudest moments. I want to thank everyone who helped make these experiences possible.
Navigating life as a professional athlete is not easy and my two agents, Kent Hughes and Phil Lecavalier, helped me find my way. Your guidance through the ups and downs of my career helped remove distractions and uncertainty so I could focus on being the best player I could be. I’ve also had a great team of professionals in Boston and Quebec who have been instrumental in both my physical and mental health, allowing me to reach my full potential.
From day one, my friends and extended family in Quebec have been by my side. You know who you are. I remain very grateful for your continued support.
To my mother, Sylvie and my father, Gerard. It all started with the two of you and your unwavering love. I couldn’t have asked for better parents. What I have achieved, and who I have become, is because of you. The sacrifices you both have made for my goals are more appreciated than I can ever say. You always believed in me and my dreams, even when no one else did. You have always found the right way to help guide me through this journey with endless support.
To my brother Guillaume. It’s hard to find words to explain our bond. You have been the biggest influence in my life and the best role model a little brother could hope for. My dream started playing street hockey with you guys as a kid and you’ve been my number one fan every step of the way. I am eternally grateful for all your advice, words of encouragement and for always making time to listen to me.
To my wife Stephanie. Steph you are my rock. You put your career aside and allowed me to follow my passion. Grateful is an understatement for my gratitude for your sacrifices. You always see the positive in every situation and your unconditional love means the world to me. Most importantly, you always see me as a husband and father before a hockey player. The kids and I are so lucky to have you. I love you.
To my wonderful children Zack, Victoria, Noah and Felix. Daddy loves you so much. As I turn the page of this chapter of my life, it is my hope that through my experiences you realize that anything in your life is possible. Believe in your dreams and follow the voice inside you. Work hard at whatever makes your eyes shine, and when times get tough, get back up and keep pushing. I am the first example that anything is possible and that amazing things happen when you believe in yourself and do what you love. Dad will always be in your corner, no matter where life takes you.
Finally, to the next generation of hockey players. I had a dream at the age of 12, and through hard work and perseverance my dreams came true more than I could have ever imagined. Respect the game and your teammates. Welcome adversity and simply enjoy yourself. No matter where you go, the game will bring you so much happiness.
When I walk away today, I have no regrets. I have nothing but gratitude for living my dream and excitement for what’s next for my family and me. I dropped everything and am honored and humbled to represent this amazing city and for the fans of the Boston Bruins.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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