“I consulted with my family and listened to my body. I am convinced that this is the right time to take my leave. »
Boston Bruins star center Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement on Tuesday morning. The news is not surprising in itself: at 38, after having played almost 1,500 games in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 and winning two Olympic gold medals, the native of L’Ancienne-Lorette has largely done his part.
It is nonetheless a living legend who hangs up his skates. A legend for the province, on the one hand, since he ranks 15th for points amassed in the season (1,040) and 8th for games played in the season (1,294) among players born in Quebec. A legend of the Bruins, since he finds himself among the leaders of almost every statistical category in the history of the organization. An NHL legend, finally, who has set the standard for defensive forwards on the circuit for almost two decades – evidenced by his six Selke trophies, a record.
Rather than sticking to a terse statement confirming his retirement, Bergeron delivered a lengthy written testimony, which the Bruins relayed in English and French.
“Around the age of 12, a teacher asked us to write about our dreams. For me, there was no doubt: I wanted to be a professional hockey player,” he says at the outset.
“I was probably a bit naive to think it was only a matter of time before this dream came true. In fact, the path to follow to achieve it was much more demanding. I had to overcome many challenges and make important sacrifices to achieve my goal. Despite the hardships, my determination and my passion for hockey only grew. »
“For the past 20 years, I have been able to live my dream every day,” he says again.
It is “with a heavy heart and enormous gratitude” that he returns to his land, “aware of [his] privilege and [his] luck to have had such a fine career”.
This decision, he took it together with his wife Stéphanie, to whom he pays a heartfelt tribute.
“How do I thank you for your unconditional love and for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me?” he writes. You who always see the positive in every situation and who, at the dawn of your twenties, did not hesitate to put your career aside to allow me to pursue my passion. For you, before being a hockey player, I am first a husband and a father. You are my anchor. The children and I are very lucky to have you. I like you. »
To his “wonderful children”, he wishes he had “demonstrated that anything is possible”. “Believe in your dreams and listen to the voice within you. Work tirelessly for what excites you and when times get tough, pick yourself up and keep moving forward,” he continues.
He also has a thought for his parents – “your absolute love is at the origin of the person I have become and of all that I have achieved” – and for his brother Guillaume, “the greatest influence of [his] life and the best model that a little brother could hope for”.
He also greets Philippe Lecavalier and Kent Hughes, the agents who have followed him since his debut. As well as, unsurprisingly, the entire organization of the Boston Bruins, the team that drafted him in the second round 20 years ago.
In conclusion, addressing “the next generation of players”, he recalls that “with hard work and perseverance, dreams can become reality, beyond our expectations”.
“Be sportsmanlike, respect your peers, face adversity and have fun. In this way, hockey will bring you a lot of happiness. »
“While writing these lines, I feel like I have done my best and have given everything for the incredible city of Boston and the fans of the Bruins. I have no regrets, only gratitude for having been able to live my dream. I am excited to now start a new chapter with my family. »
Bergeron will meet with members of the media covering NHL activities on Wednesday in Boston.
