Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement after a 20-year NHL career.
Bergeron was originally joined the Bruins during the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and was named captain of the ice hockey team in January 2021.
"When I was around 12 years old a teacher asked everyone in my class to write about our dreams. For me, my dream was already clear: to become a professional hockey player," Bergeron wrote. "The path to making my dreams come true was not easy. I faced adversity and made so many sacrifices, but throughout it all my love for the game only grew and my determination to achieve my goals always remained strong."
"For the last 20 years I have been able to live my dream every day. I have had the honor of playing in front of the best fans in the world wearing the Bruins uniform and representing my country at the highest levels of international play," he continued. "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."
"It is with a full heart and a lot of gratitude that today I am announcing my retirement as a professional hockey player."
"As hard as it is to write, I also write it knowing how blessed and lucky I feel to have had the career that I have had, and that I have the opportunity to leave the game I love on my terms," Bergeron continued, adding his decision to retire wasn't made lightly. "After listening to my body, and talking with my family, I know in my heart that this is the right time to step away from playing the game I love."
The Boston Bruins captain recounted his time in minor hockey leagues in Quebec City praising coaches, teammates, and parents who nurtured his love for hockey.
"Over the last 20 years I have had the honor of taking the ice with so many great teammates," he continued. "I will never forget your trust, the laughs, the endless memories, the ups and downs, and ultimately the long lasting friendships. I will forever be grateful being a part of such an exceptional group of men, and I will carry the pride of winning in 2011 with me forever."
Bergeron continued his statement by addressing the next generation of hockey players: "Respect the game and your peers. Welcome adversity and simply enjoy yourself. No matter where you go from there the game will bring you so much happiness."
"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," Bergeron concluded. "I left everything out there and I'm humbled and honored it was representing this incredible city and for the Boston Bruins fans."
