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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — After 19 years in the National Hockey League and as a Boston Bruin, team captain Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement today.
In a statement released this morning, Bergeron said he was able to live out his dream to be a professional hockey player, and how proud he is to be a part of the team's tradition and Original 6 history.
"It is with a full heart and a lot of gratitude that today I am announcing my retirement as a professional hockey player," he said in the statement. "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. It wasn't a decision that I came to lightly. But 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."
He said it was an "honor representing this incredible city and playing for the Boston Bruins fans."
Bergeron ranks as one of the top players in the almost 100-year history of the Bruins.
He ranks 3rd in team history in games played (1,294), 3rd in goals (427), 4th in assists (613), 3rd in points (1,040), 4th in power-play goals (131), 4th in shorthanded goals (22) and 2nd in shots (3,974).
Bergeron is a lock to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as he's eligible.
His #37 will never be worn again by a Bruins player.
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