After over 20 seasons with the Boston Bruins, where he made a name for himself by being one of the best two-way players in NHL history, Patrice Bergeron is hanging up his skates.
On Tuesday, the six-time Selke Award winner, three-time All-Star, and 2011 Stanley Cup champion revealed he was retiring from the NHL via a statement with the Bruins. Bergeron leaves behind a legacy as the heart and soul of the Bruins’ operations and as one of the more complete players in the modern era.
Bergeron seemed understandably emotional in his retirement statement:
“As hard as it is to write, I also write it knowing how blessed and lucky I feel to have had the career that I have had, and that I have the opportunity to leave the game I love on my terms. It wasn’t a decision that I came to lightly. But after listening to my body, and talking with my family, I know in my heart that this is the right time to step away from playing the game I love.”
A salute to a legend and one of the classier players in NHL history.
NHL fans said goodbye to the beloved Bergeron as he retired
Few athletes have represented their franchise, city and sport as well as Patrice Bergeron did for two decades.
Respect to an absolute legend on a helluva run 🫡 https://t.co/k1WTPkQgHj
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 25, 2023
me: as I get older, I’ve gotten much better at limiting the effect sports teams have on my emotional well-being
me, right now: sobbing https://t.co/EPyrDJzZdj
— Michelle Bruton (@MichelleBruton) July 25, 2023
A legendary player but an even more legendary person. Congrats to Patrice on one hell of a career. Thank you for everything 💛 https://t.co/rfu9ZATzUm
— Marina Maher (@marinakmaher) July 25, 2023
Patrice Bergeron announces his retirement. A legend in every possible way. https://t.co/dSGTHJmZxn
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) July 25, 2023
All class, right to the end. What a privilege it was to watch the guy for 20 years. https://t.co/UenINMHfQq
— Chad Finn (@GlobeChadFinn) July 25, 2023
I’ll always remember Bergeron as a player that I simply couldn’t dislike, despite playing his entire career with a team I hate. https://t.co/uz4ijxQtSR
— Nick Richard (@_NickRichard) July 25, 2023
I see Pain is on the menu today https://t.co/f8KY4gjSPZ
— Petrov McGuire (@McguirePetrov) July 25, 2023
Best two-way player in NHL history, incredible human being. He deserved to go out better than this. Thanks for a great career, Cap. Looking forward to 37 being raised to the TD Garden rafters https://t.co/6RRG0iPgWn
— Mark (@MarkPiselli13) July 25, 2023
People will talk about Tom Brady and David Ortiz but Patrice Bergeron is the best representation of the city of Boston I’ve seen in an athlete. Will forever be my favorite Bruins player and I cannot wait until I see 37 up in the rafters. https://t.co/q4hzdXeNB3
— Max Weisman (@maweisman) July 25, 2023
