Following the announcement of his retirement, Patrice Bergeron received a heartfelt message from his longtime friend and rival, Sidney Crosby. The two players have faced each other in numerous key playoff series, including the 2013 NHL Eastern Conference Finals, where Bergeron’s Boston Bruins swept Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins in four straight games.
Crosby and Bergeron also shared memorable moments as teammates, representing Canada in international competitions. They won gold medals together at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, the 2005 World Junior Championships, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. In the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, Crosby and Bergeron served as linemates on a souped-up version of the Bruins’ famous Perfection Line, with Brad Marchand playing left wing.
The Pittsburgh Penguins shared Crosby’s message to Bergeron via their Twitter account, which read:
“Bergy, It’s been a pleasure to compete against you and a special honor to be your teammate over the years. Your achievements speak for themselves, but the person you are is what stands out the most. For anyone who has played with or against you, there isn’t a better example to follow. Congratulations on a remarkable career and enjoy the next chapter mon ami! – Sid.”
Bergy,
It’s been a pleasure to compete against you and a special honor to be your teammate over the years. Your achievements speak for themselves, but the person you are is what stands out the most. For anyone who has played with or against you, there isn’t a better example to… pic.twitter.com/x3V1F3vb2V
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 25, 2023
The NHL community has been paying tribute to Bergeron, who announced his retirement after 19 seasons in the league. The Boston Bruins released a tribute video highlighting some of the best moments of Bergeron’s career. Bergeron’s achievements include a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals, three All-Star Game appearances, and six Selke Trophies.
Crosby is known for his classy gestures, as demonstrated when he sent a congratulatory text to Connor Bedard following his No. 1 selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. As Bergeron embarks on the next chapter of his life, he can look back on a remarkable career and the respect he earned from his peers, including one of the greatest players in the game, Sidney Crosby.
In the coming months, fans and players alike will continue to celebrate Bergeron’s contributions to the sport and the impact he had on the ice and in the community. As the hockey world bids farewell to a legend, the memories and tributes will serve as a testament to the lasting legacy of Patrice Bergeron.
