Hailing from Quebec, number 37 is regarded by many as one of the finest defensive players of his generation, earning him the honor of having his jersey retired by the Bruins organization in the upcoming season.
The emotions ran high last spring when the Bruins faced elimination by the Florida Panthers, and Bergeron's teammates gathered around to give him a heartfelt hug, seemingly aware that it could be his final game.
According to Kevin Dubé of the Journal de Québec, Bergeron actually made his decision to retire last January. One of the key factors leading to this momentous decision was the realization that, at 38, his body was telling him it was time to step away from professional hockey.
In Bergeron's own words,
The motivation to train and play was waning for the veteran forward, especially after the Bruins' early exit from the playoffs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bergeron exhibited remarkable resilience, often playing through numerous injuries. One unforgettable display of courage came during the 2013 finals against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Despite a punctured lung, fractured rib, torn costal cartilage, and shoulder separation, he mustered the strength to play in the sixth game of the final, which the Bruins lost. After the game, Bergeron was taken to the hospital, showcasing his unwavering determination.
Now, as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, the former Bruins captain can savor a more normal life and relish the memories of his incredible journey on the ice. As a future Hall of Famer, Bergeron's legacy will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.
Source: Habsfanatics
POLL | ||
AOUT 6 | 44 ANSWERS Patrice Bergeron reveals the real reason he called it a career Do you think Patrice Bergeron made the right decision by retiring from professional hockey after 19 seasons with the Boston Bruins? | ||
Yes | 39 | 88.6 % |
No | 5 | 11.4 % |
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