Patrice Bergeron announces retirement from NHL
(Photo Credit: The Boston Globe)

Boston Bruins forward and captain Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement from the NHL today, after 19 seasons with the team.

Bergeron, who led the Bruins to the 2011 championship and two other trips to the Stanley Cup Final, expressed his gratitude in a statement posted on social media: “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”.

Bergeron’s final NHL game took place on April 30, 2023, when the Bruins fell to the Florida Panthers in a Game 7 overtime loss in Round 1.

Throughout his career, Bergeron played in 1,294 regular-season games, scoring 427 goals and 613 assists for a total of 1,040 points. Known for his two-way abilities, Bergeron earned six Frank J. Selke Trophy wins, awarded annually to the NHL forward with the best defensive skills.

In his retirement statement, Bergeron reflected on his journey to becoming a professional hockey player and the sacrifices he made along the way. He thanked the fans, stating, “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”.

The Bruins organization expressed their gratitude to Bergeron, stating, “Patrice, there are not enough words to describe the impact you have left on our organization, your teammates, the people you’ve worked with, the fans you gave everything for, and the city and region you represented so well”.

Tributes to Bergeron poured in on social media from teammates, opponents, and fans alike. Bergeron’s longtime linemate and friend, Brad Marchand, previously praised him, saying, “He is one of the best to ever play the game”.

The Bruins are expected to retire Bergeron’s No. 37, making him the 12th player so honored. He is also a certain first-ballot inductee for the Hockey Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.