Bruins' Patrice Bergeron retires from NHL 'with a full heart and a lot of gratitude'

ON THIS BREAKING NEWS DUKE ANTOINETTE. WHEN YOU THINK OF ICONIC BOSTON ATHLETES THE LAST FEW DECADES, OF COURSE, THERE’S TOM BRADY, DAVID ORTIZ. BUT PATRICE BERGERON IS UP THERE SYNONYMOUS WITH THIS TOWN. HE PLAYED HIS ENTIRE CAREER WITH THE BRUINS WHEN 19 SEASONS AND WENT TO THE STANLEY CUP FINAL THREE TIMES, WON A CUP AND WON TWO GOLD MEDALS FOR TEAM CANADA, WAS A SIX TIME SELKIE AWARD WINNER, BUT REALLY JUST A TERRIFIC REPRESENT STATION OF AN ATHLETE. HARD WORKING, PROFESSIONAL AND YOU CAN SEE IT IN A LONG LOVE LETTER HE WROTE TODAY TO HIS FAMILY, THE CLUB AND THE FANS. HERE IT IS IN PART, HE SAID, FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS, I’VE BEEN ABLE TO LIVE MY DREAM. EVERY DAY I HAVE HAD THE HONOR OF PLAYING IN FRONT OF THE BEST FANS IN THE WORLD, WEARING THE BRUINS UNIFORM AND REPRESENTING MY COUNTRY AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF INTERNATIONAL PLAY. I’VE GIVEN THE GAME EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY, AND THE GAME HAS GIVEN ME BACK MORE THAN I COULD EVER IMAGINE, IS WITH A FULL HEART AND A LOT OF GRATITUDE THAT TODAY I’M ANNOUNCING MY RETIREMENT AS A PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYER. LET’S BRING IN NAOKO FUNAYAMA NOW AND NAOKO, YOU COVERED THIS TEAM AS THE SIDE RANKED ICE REPORTER FOR SIX SEASONS. YOU COVERED THEM WHEN THEY WON TWO STANLEY CUP. PATRICE BERGERON HAS BEEN SUCH A BIG PART OF THIS. BUT I GO BACK TO LAST YEAR IN THE PLAYOFFS AND THAT EMOTION, ALL CARE FELT GOOD BY HIM THAT HE HAD WITH DAVID CRAIG ON THE ICE AND HE HAD THE BACK PROBLEM AND OF COURSE HE HAS OTHER THINGS GOING ON IN HIS LIFE. HE JUST HAD A BIRTHDAY. YES. HE JUST HAD A BIRTHDAY. HE ALSO JUST HAD A BABY. I MEAN, DO NO ONE CARRIES THEMSELF LIKE PATRICE BERGERON. EVERYBODY’S GOT NOTHING BUT POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT TO SAY THIS ATHLETE, HE’S A CONSUMMATE PRO CARRIED HIMSELF IN THE WAY YOU’D WANT ANYONE TO CARRY THEMSELVES WITH GREAT PROFESSIONALISM. CARE 1000 GAMES, AS YOU MENTIONED, SIX TIMES. KELSEY AWARD WINNER. I MEAN THAT SAYS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIS GAME. THAT MEANS HE PLAYS THE 200 FOOT GAME. THAT MEANS HE COVERS EVERY CORNER OF THE ICE. I MEAN, HE’S SUCH A GREAT REPRESENTATION ON THE ICE AND OFF. AND IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO COVER HIM FOR 19 SEASONS. RIGHT. AND YOU GOT TO SEE IT UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. AND IT’S NOT JUST WHAT HE DOES ON THE ICE. IT’S WHAT HE DOES IN THE DRESSING ROOM. AND IT’S WHAT HE DOES IN THE COMMUNITY. HE’S BEEN SUCH A BIG PART OF THIS COMMUNITY. REMEMBER, HE CAME HERE TO BOSTON AS A TEENAGER AND REALLY ENGLISH WAS NOT HIS FIRST LANGUAGE, BUT HE’S BECOME SUCH A BIG PART OF THIS COMMUNITY AND REALLY INGRATIATED HIMSELF EVERYWHERE THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND AND QUEBEC. I MEAN, NO ONE HAS ANYTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT HIM, RIGHT? THAT KIND OF JUST KIND OF TELLS YOU ABOUT HIM, HIS CHARACTER. I MEAN, THE PLAYERS LOVE HIM. THEY LOVE PLAYING WITH HIM. THEY LOVE PLAYING ALONGSIDE HIM. AND THE FANS LOVE WATCHING HIM PLAY. SO I THINK IT WAS JUST SUCH A GREAT EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU CAN BE AS AN ATHLETE IN THIS TOWN SUCCEED, BUT ALSO GIVE THAT GIVE THAT ENERGY OF LIKE, THIS IS THIS IS ME, LIKE THIS IS PROFESSIONAL ME. AMY LED BY EXAMPLE, RIGHT? YES. SO YOU LEAD BY EXAMPLE. AND WHEN YOUR BEST PLAYER IS YOUR HARDEST WORKING PLAYER AND DOES SO MUCH IN THE COMMUNITY, RIGHT. IT HAS SUCH AN EFFECT ON THE REST OF THE CLUB. THIS IS A HUGE LOSS FOR THEM BOTH ON AND OFF THE ICE AND IN THE COMMUNITY. YEAH, AND KIND OF LIKE A MARKING POINT HERE FOR THE BRUINS. I MEAN, MAYBE THIS IS THE START OF A NEW ERA. WHO’S THE NEXT CAPTAIN WHO IN YOUR MIND YOU FEEL WILL BE THE NEXT CAPTAIN? I CAN SEE BRAD MARCHAND TAKING THE REINS. I CAN, YES, I CAN DEFINITELY SEE. EVEN WITH ALL THE SUSPENSIONS AND EVERYTHING ELSE, IT SEEMS LIKE HE’S GROWN UP. HE HE HAS. AND I THINK HE DESERVES IT RIGHT NOW. I AS I SAID, NAOKO KNOWS BETTER THAN ANYBODY. SH

With an introspective statement posted by the Boston Bruins, team captain Patrice Bergeron announced that he is retiring from the National Hockey League on Tuesday. "It wasn't a decision that I came to lightly," he wrote. "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." Bergeron, who turned 38 years old on Monday, teased retirement last year but opted to return as the Bruins sought a second Stanley Cup title in a dozen years.He and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed their fourth child, Felix, earlier this month.Bergeron was a leader of the Bruins as they skated into the history books with NHL records of 65 wins and 135 points, but the solemn tone of his voice on Tuesday reflected the playoff collapse that now ranks among Boston's all-time worst. He missed the first four games of the Bruins' first-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers and said he played in the final games with a herniated disk. Boston was ultimately eliminated in overtime during Game 7 on home ice.Bergeron lingered on the ice long after the handshake line, giving the remaining fans a stick wave and ushering his teammates into the tunnel. After a long embrace with Brad Marchand, Bergeron left the rink. We now know it was for the last time as a player."As I step away today, I have no regrets," he wrote on Tuesday. "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." Video below: What changes will the Bruins make?Bergeron, a native of the Canadian province of Quebec, was a 2003 second-round draft pick of the Bruins, who selected him 45th overall. He made his NHL debut at the age of 18 and played 1,294 regular-season games over 19 seasons with Boston. He scored 427 goals, notched 613 assists and finished with a career plus/minus rating of +289, the latter of which ranks 34th in NHL history.In 2011, Bergeron helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup title and end a 39-year championship drought for the Black-and-Gold. Boston reached two more Stanley Cup Finals (2013, 2019) during Bergeron's time with the team. He has 50 goals and 78 assists with a +42 rating in 170 career playoff games.He won the Selke Trophy, the annual award given to the NHL's best defensive forward, for the sixth time this past season — extending his own all-time record. His career face-off win percentage of 57.9% ranks eighth all-time, according to the league's record book. The NHL has only tracked face-off stats since the 2005-06 season. Bergeron also had a decorated international career, winning five gold medals with Canada across the following events: the 2004 World Championships, the 2005 World Junior Championships, the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.François Legault, the Premier of Quebec, tweeted a congratulatory message on Bergeron's retirement."What a great career for Patrice Bergeron! Captain of the Bruins, two gold medals at the Olympics, a Stanley Cup, six Selke Trophies, just to mention a few," reads Legault's tweet, which was translated from French to English by NewsCenter 5 reporter David Bienick. "A role model for young Quebeckers! I wish him a good retirement and most of all good times with his family."In Bruins history, Bergeron ranks third in games played (1,294), third in goals (427), fourth in assists (613), third in points (1,040), fourth in power-play goals (131), fourth in shorthanded goals (22), second in game-winning goals (81) and fourth in game-winning goals scored in overtime (9).The Associated Press contributed to this report.Full farewell statement from Bergeron: When I was around 12 years old a teacher asked everyone in my class to write about our dreams. For me, my dream was already clear: to become a professional hockey player.I was probably a little naive growing up, because in my mind this dream was never a question of if, but when it would happen. The path to making my dreams come true was not easy. I faced adversity and made so 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 last 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 wearing the Bruins uniform and representing my country at the highest levels of international play. I have given the game everything that I have physically and emotionally, and the game has given me back more than I could have ever imagined.It is with a full heart and a lot of gratitude that today I am announcing my retirement as a professional hockey player.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.I also know that none of this was possible on my own, and I would like to humbly take this opportunity to acknowledge some people who helped me achieve my goals and who made my career so special.From my minor hockey days in Quebec City all the way through major junior in Acadie-Bathurst, there were so many coaches, teammates and parents who helped me fall in love with hockey. Thank you for laying the groundwork on what became a lifelong passion.In 2003, the Bruins drafted me, and from the moment I put my draft sweater on, 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 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 spoked-B jersey is the incredible history of the franchise. The players that came before me always welcomed me with open arms and were always there with encouragement, to listen and help me better understand the tradition and responsibilities that come with playing for the Bruins.While not always easy, I always tried my best to understand that part of being a professional hockey player included my responsibility to the media who helped tell our story to the fans. I enjoyed getting to know some of you personally over the years and I always appreciated being covered fairly and the job that the media did telling the story of our team.Over the last 20 years I have had the honor of taking the ice with so many great teammates. I have tried to learn something from each and every one of you and I always tried to be the best teammate that I could be. I will never forget your trust, the laughs, the endless memories, the ups and downs, and ultimately the long lasting friendships. I will forever be grateful being a part of such an exceptional group of men, and I will carry the pride of winning in 2011 with me forever.The amazing people of New England welcomed a young French Canadian who didn't speak great English and you treated me like one of your own. I can't imagine representing a better community or more passionate fan base than the Boston Bruins. Your passion, your dedication and your kindness towards 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 tried the best that I could to give back to the community that supported me. The connections and friends that my family and I have made here are unquantifiable. Boston is, and will forever be, a special place for me and my family.There is only one other jersey that I ever wanted to wear, and that is 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 would like to thank everyone who helped make those 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 eliminate distractions and uncertainty so that I could focus on being the best player that I could be. I have 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 maximum potential.Since day one, my friends and extended family in Quebec have been by my side. You guys know who you are. I remain so appreciative of your continued support.To my mom, Sylvie and my dad, Gerard. It all started with you both, 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 that you both made for my goals are appreciated more than I can ever state. You guys have always believed in me and my dreams, even when no one else did. You always found the right way to help guide me in 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 by playing street hockey with you as young boys and you have been my number one fan every step of the way. I am forever thankful for all of your advice, words of encouragement and for always having time to simply listen to me.To my wife Stephanie. Steph you're my rock. You put your career aside and allowed me to pursue my passion. Grateful is an understatement for my appreciation 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 a dad before a hockey player. The kids and I are so lucky to have you. I love you.To my wonderful kids Zack, Victoria, Noah and Felix. Daddy loves you so much. As I turn the page on this chapter of my life I am hopeful that through my experiences you realize that anything in your life is possible. Believe in your dreams and follow the voice inside you. Work endlessly for whatever it is that makes your eyes sparkle, and when times are tough, get back up and keep pushing. I'm the prime example that anything is possible and that amazing things happen when you believe in yourself and do what you love. Daddy 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 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.Sincerely yours,Patrice Bergeron-Cleary

BOSTON —

With an introspective statement posted by the Boston Bruins, team captain Patrice Bergeron announced that he is retiring from the National Hockey League on Tuesday.

"It wasn't a decision that I came to lightly," he wrote. "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."

Bergeron, who turned 38 years old on Monday, teased retirement last year but opted to return as the Bruins sought a second Stanley Cup title in a dozen years.

He and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed their fourth child, Felix, earlier this month.

Bergeron was a leader of the Bruins as they skated into the history books with NHL records of 65 wins and 135 points, but the solemn tone of his voice on Tuesday reflected the playoff collapse that now ranks among Boston's all-time worst.

He missed the first four games of the Bruins' first-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers and said he played in the final games with a herniated disk. Boston was ultimately eliminated in overtime during Game 7 on home ice.

Bergeron lingered on the ice long after the handshake line, giving the remaining fans a stick wave and ushering his teammates into the tunnel. After a long embrace with Brad Marchand, Bergeron left the rink. We now know it was for the last time as a player.

"As I step away today, I have no regrets," he wrote on Tuesday. "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."

Video below: What changes will the Bruins make?

Bergeron, a native of the Canadian province of Quebec, was a 2003 second-round draft pick of the Bruins, who selected him 45th overall. He made his NHL debut at the age of 18 and played 1,294 regular-season games over 19 seasons with Boston. He scored 427 goals, notched 613 assists and finished with a career plus/minus rating of +289, the latter of which ranks 34th in NHL history.

In 2011, Bergeron helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup title and end a 39-year championship drought for the Black-and-Gold. Boston reached two more Stanley Cup Finals (2013, 2019) during Bergeron's time with the team. He has 50 goals and 78 assists with a +42 rating in 170 career playoff games.

He won the Selke Trophy, the annual award given to the NHL's best defensive forward, for the sixth time this past season — extending his own all-time record. His career face-off win percentage of 57.9% ranks eighth all-time, according to the league's record book. The NHL has only tracked face-off stats since the 2005-06 season.

Bergeron also had a decorated international career, winning five gold medals with Canada across the following events: the 2004 World Championships, the 2005 World Junior Championships, the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

François Legault, the Premier of Quebec, tweeted a congratulatory message on Bergeron's retirement.

"What a great career for Patrice Bergeron! Captain of the Bruins, two gold medals at the Olympics, a Stanley Cup, six Selke Trophies, just to mention a few," reads Legault's tweet, which was translated from French to English by NewsCenter 5 reporter David Bienick. "A role model for young Quebeckers! I wish him a good retirement and most of all good times with his family."

In Bruins history, Bergeron ranks third in games played (1,294), third in goals (427), fourth in assists (613), third in points (1,040), fourth in power-play goals (131), fourth in shorthanded goals (22), second in game-winning goals (81) and fourth in game-winning goals scored in overtime (9).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Full farewell statement from Bergeron:

When I was around 12 years old a teacher asked everyone in my class to write about our dreams. For me, my dream was already clear: to become a professional hockey player.

I was probably a little naive growing up, because in my mind this dream was never a question of if, but when it would happen. The path to making my dreams come true was not easy. I faced adversity and made so 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 last 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 wearing the Bruins uniform and representing my country at the highest levels of international play. I have given the game everything that I have physically and emotionally, and the game has given me back more than I could have ever imagined.

It is with a full heart and a lot of gratitude that today I am announcing my retirement as a professional hockey player.

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.

I also know that none of this was possible on my own, and I would like to humbly take this opportunity to acknowledge some people who helped me achieve my goals and who made my career so special.

From my minor hockey days in Quebec City all the way through major junior in Acadie-Bathurst, there were so many coaches, teammates and parents who helped me fall in love with hockey. Thank you for laying the groundwork on what became a lifelong passion.

In 2003, the Bruins drafted me, and from the moment I put my draft sweater on, 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 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 spoked-B jersey is the incredible history of the franchise. The players that came before me always welcomed me with open arms and were always there with encouragement, to listen and help me better understand the tradition and responsibilities that come with playing for the Bruins.

While not always easy, I always tried my best to understand that part of being a professional hockey player included my responsibility to the media who helped tell our story to the fans. I enjoyed getting to know some of you personally over the years and I always appreciated being covered fairly and the job that the media did telling the story of our team.

Over the last 20 years I have had the honor of taking the ice with so many great teammates. I have tried to learn something from each and every one of you and I always tried to be the best teammate that I could be. I will never forget your trust, the laughs, the endless memories, the ups and downs, and ultimately the long lasting friendships. I will forever be grateful being a part of such an exceptional group of men, and I will carry the pride of winning in 2011 with me forever.

The amazing people of New England welcomed a young French Canadian who didn't speak great English and you treated me like one of your own. I can't imagine representing a better community or more passionate fan base than the Boston Bruins. Your passion, your dedication and your kindness towards 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 tried the best that I could to give back to the community that supported me. The connections and friends that my family and I have made here are unquantifiable. Boston is, and will forever be, a special place for me and my family.

There is only one other jersey that I ever wanted to wear, and that is 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 would like to thank everyone who helped make those 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 eliminate distractions and uncertainty so that I could focus on being the best player that I could be. I have 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 maximum potential.

Since day one, my friends and extended family in Quebec have been by my side. You guys know who you are. I remain so appreciative of your continued support.

To my mom, Sylvie and my dad, Gerard. It all started with you both, 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 that you both made for my goals are appreciated more than I can ever state. You guys have always believed in me and my dreams, even when no one else did. You always found the right way to help guide me in 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 by playing street hockey with you as young boys and you have been my number one fan every step of the way. I am forever thankful for all of your advice, words of encouragement and for always having time to simply listen to me.

To my wife Stephanie. Steph you're my rock. You put your career aside and allowed me to pursue my passion. Grateful is an understatement for my appreciation 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 a dad before a hockey player. The kids and I are so lucky to have you. I love you.

To my wonderful kids Zack, Victoria, Noah and Felix. Daddy loves you so much. As I turn the page on this chapter of my life I am hopeful that through my experiences you realize that anything in your life is possible. Believe in your dreams and follow the voice inside you. Work endlessly for whatever it is that makes your eyes sparkle, and when times are tough, get back up and keep pushing. I'm the prime example that anything is possible and that amazing things happen when you believe in yourself and do what you love. Daddy 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 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.

Sincerely yours,
Patrice Bergeron-Cleary

Bruins' Patrice Bergeron retires from NHL 'with a full heart and a lot of gratitude'

Share

Share

Share

Full farewell statement from Bergeron:

Top Picks