Patrice Bergeron, the captain of the Boston Bruins and one of the greatest ever two-way forwards, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
He said in a first-person story on NHL.com.
“It is with a full heart and a lot of gratitude that today I am announcing my retirement as a professional hockey player.”
A day after turning 38, Bergeron announces his retirement. A year prior, he had given retirement some thought, but after signing a one-year deal, Patrice Bergeron came back and helped the Boston Bruins achieve the best regular-season record in NHL history.
Boston was defeated by the Stanley Cup Final losing Florida Panthers in the first round of the playoffs.
Even though it’s challenging to write, I do it knowing how fortunate and blessed I feel to have had the career I have and the chance to retire from the sport I love on my terms. I didn’t make the choice haphazardly. But after speaking with my family and paying attention to my health, I’ve decided that it’s time to stop playing the game I love.
Patrice Bergeron has won one Stanley Cup, which he did in 2011. The 2013 Final was another loss for Boston. He wore the spoked-B jumper for the duration of his entire 19-year career.
In addition to being a three-time All-Star, Bergeron was one of the best two-way centres to ever play the position, taking home the Selke Trophy six times as the league’s top defensive forward. The previous two seasons, he won it.
He has over 1,000 points and 427 goals despite his excellent defence.
Bergeron thanked the public, his teammates, and his family in his statement for their encouragement.
He concluded:
“Finally, to the next generation of hockey players. I had a dream at 12 years old, and through hard work and perseverance my dreams came true more than I ever could have imagined. Respect the game and your peers. Welcome adversity and simply enjoy yourself. No matter where you go from there the game will bring you so much happiness.
As I step away today, I have no regrets. I have only gratitude that I lived my dream, and excitement for what is next for my family and I. I left everything out there and I’m humbled and honored it was representing this incredible city and for the Boston Bruins fans.”
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