Patrice Bergeron gets emotional in retirement press conference

Legendary Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, who retired Tuesday after 19 seasons, met with the media Wednesday in what was an emotional, bittersweet press conference.

“Overall, it’s been a pretty special ride,” Bergeron said in what appeared to be an emotional moment for the veteran player.

While he is certain this is the right decision and the right time to hang up the skates, Bergeron made it clear he was going to miss the game and especially the teammates and rival players he’s faced throughout his career.

“The game has given me more than I’ve actually been able to give the game.”

Bergeron said it more than once that his body had been sending him the message to retire, and the time spent with his family and reflecting on his future made it clear he was done playing. The motivation waned during this summer as he paid attention to what his body was telling him. He now wants to focus on his family, who will stay in Boston for the upcoming year.

The All-Star player admitted that there wasn’t one particular moment when he knew he would retire, but that the time is now. After the Bruins’ shocking elimination from the postseason, Bergeron wanted to “let the dust settle” before making a decision. He let the decision come to him as part of him wanted to come back, “but the bigger part of me” was leaning 2022-23 being his last year.

When asked about the immediate future, Bergeron always brought the topic back to his family. A reporter brought up the possibility of coaching in the future, to which Bergeron replied:

“Never say never, but for now, I don’t have a want or a will to coach.”

There was never a doubt that Bergeron gave hockey fans everything he had, and he plainly put it out there that he does not regret giving everything he had to the game and the Bruins.

The press conference only reiterated how great of a player and human being Bergeron is and how he will be missed.

Bergeron leaves the NHL as one of the best two-way forwards in the history of the game. In his 1,294 career games, he scored 427 goals and 1,040 points.

Shifting the focus on the next generation of Bruins taking over and the culture he built, Bergeron is confident that his now-former teammates will keep it going with pride.

“I know these guys will be great. … They’re in great hands with all these guys. … it wasn’t me, it was also them.”

What a career, Bergy. Bravo and we cannot wait to see what comes next for you.

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