Bruins say goodbye to an icon
Photo Credit: NHL. com
On Tuesday morning, the Bruins said goodbye to a franchise icon. After 19 unforgettable years, Patrice Bergeron announced he was retiring from the NHL. While the Bruins must now focus on life without their captain, his impact in Boston will continue for decades.
During his time as a Bruin, the Canadian native was a human highlight reel. His list of accolades includes six Selke Trophies, one Stanley Cup championship, and a list of clutch goals that go on for pages. As he crafted a legacy few can match, the former second-round pick etched himself into the franchise record books.
Bergeron finishes his career ranked in the top five in franchise history in multiple categories. He ranks third in goals with 427 and games played with 1,294. Only franchise legends Ray Bourque and Johnny Bucyk have more points. Although those are only a few of his impressive feats, it’s not a bad outcome for the former 45th overall pick.
While Bergeron’s numbers would impress anyone, his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Boston embraced Bergeron because he made the city his second home. Regardless of the situation, he was on the ice, giving the Bruins his best every game.
An example of his grit and determination came after the Bruins were eliminated in six games in the 2013 Stanley Cup Final. It was revealed that Bergeron had played the deciding game with cracked ribs, a torn cartilage, and a punctured lung suffered in Game 5, plus a separated shoulder sustained during the first period of Game 6.
Bergeron left it all on the ice, which he highlighted in his farewell statement.
"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."
With his career now in the books, the next few months will surely be full of tributes. Some day in the very near future, the No. 37 will take its rightful place in the TD Garden rafters among the other franchise greats. He will be remembered for how he elevated those around him as he walks away as one most respected players in the sport.
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