After a remarkable career spanning 19 NHL seasons, Patrice Bergeron, the celebrated Boston Bruins star, has made the decision to retire from professional hockey. In an emotional statement released on Tuesday, Bergeron expressed his deep gratitude for being able to live his dream for the past two decades. He acknowledged the privilege of playing in front of the world’s best fans while proudly donning the Bruins uniform and representing his country at the highest international levels.
Selected as the 45th pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, Bergeron remained loyal to the Bruins throughout his entire career, spending all 19 seasons with the team. Serving as their captain for the last three seasons, he became an integral part of the franchise’s identity.
Bergeron’s defensive prowess was unparalleled, earning him a record six Frank J. Selke Trophies for being the league’s best defensive forward. Even during the 2022-23 season, he showcased his exceptional skills, securing his second consecutive Selke Trophy.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bergeron accumulated an impressive 1,040 points, consisting of 427 goals and 613 assists, achieved over 1,294 regular-season games. His contributions to the Bruins’ history are profound, ranking third in points and games played, following only legends Ray Bourque and Johnny Bucyk.
Notably, Bergeron was a pivotal player in the Bruins’ victorious Stanley Cup run in 2011, finishing with the second-highest points tally on the team. His versatile style of play earned him recognition as a three-time All-Star, and he played a crucial role in Team Canada’s Olympic gold medal triumphs in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
With a full heart and immense gratitude for the game that has given him so much, Bergeron has bid farewell to his illustrious career as a professional hockey player. His legacy will undoubtedly endure, and he will be remembered as one of the sport’s true greats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Retirement
Q: How many seasons did Patrice Bergeron play in the NHL?
A: Patrice Bergeron played in the NHL for 19 seasons.
Q: Which team did Patrice Bergeron spend his entire professional career with?
A: Patrice Bergeron spent his entire professional career with the Boston Bruins.
Q: How many Selke trophies did Bergeron win?
A: Bergeron won a total of six Frank J. Selke Trophies as the best defensive forward in the NHL.
Q: What were Bergeron’s career statistics?
A: Bergeron accumulated 1,040 points in his career, with 427 goals and 613 assists, in 1,294 regular-season games.
Q: How did Bergeron contribute to the Bruins’ Stanley Cup win in 2011?
A: Bergeron played a pivotal role in the Bruins’ Stanley Cup victory in 2011, finishing second in points on the team during the playoff run.
Q: Did Bergeron represent his country in international play?
A: Yes, Bergeron represented Canada at the highest international levels, winning Olympic gold medals at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Q: When did Bergeron announce his retirement?
A: Bergeron announced his retirement on Tuesday, after 19 NHL seasons.
Q: How did Bergeron describe his retirement decision?
A: Bergeron described his retirement decision as one made with a full heart and a lot of gratitude for the game that gave him more than he could have ever imagined.
More about Retirement
- Patrice Bergeron announces retirement after 19 seasons, six Selke trophies as best defensive forward – ESPN
- Patrice Bergeron – NHL Stats – NHL Official Website
- Boston Bruins Official Website – NHL Official Website
- Frank J. Selke Trophy Winners – NHL Official Website
- Boston Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup Victory – NHL Official Website
- Team Canada – Olympic Success – Canadian Olympic Committee Official Website
5 comments
so many records & accolades, bergeron’s stats r mind-blowin! thx for the game u gave us! #hockeyhero #salute #grateful
patrice bergeron, a true legend! 19 season nhl, 6 selke trophie, 1 stanly cup – wow! boston bruins will miss him, so will team canada! #retiremnt #hockeyicon
omg, cant believe bergeron retirin 🙁 hez been my fav player evr, so much talent on ice! #legend #goat #thankyoubegie
congrats to patrice! 6 selke trophies – defensiv genius! #nhl #bruins #legacy
bergeron, a true captin & heart of bruins. 2011 stanly cup run – amazin memries! #leader #stanleycup #thankyoucaptain