Bruins pay the ultimate respect to former captain Patrice Bergeron

The Boston Bruins have announced today that they will be retiring Patrice Bergeron's #37 to the rafters at TD Garden.

“Patrice was the kind of rare, generational talent that every team wanted," said Bruins Owner and Governor, Jeremy M. Jacobs in a prepared statement. "He was a deftly skilled playmaker and the undeniable greatest defensive forward in the NHL’s history. But it was the leadership he provided on the ice and in the locker room that made him truly stand apart and an all-time legend of the Boston Bruins.”

"To have my number retired by the Boston Bruins is an honor that is difficult to put into words," said Bergeron in the same statement. "When I arrived in Boston as an 18-year-old, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition one day. I have always believed that any success I had was only possible because of the people around me. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible teammates, learn from outstanding coaches and staff and be supported by an organization that believed in me from the very beginning. I am especially grateful to my family for the sacrifices they made that allowed me to pursue my dream. This honor belongs to all of them as much as it belongs to me. To Bruins fans across New England, thank you for welcoming a young French Canadian and making this place feel like home. Every time I stepped onto the ice, I felt the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the Spoked-B, and I always tried to represent this organization and community the right way. I am deeply humbled and grateful to be connected to the history of the Boston Bruins. To know that No. 37 will forever be part of that history is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Bergeron’s career stands as one of the finest examples of excellence, leadership, and sportsmanship in modern hockey. Over the course of 19 seasons with the Bruins, Bergeron established himself not only as one of the league’s premier two-way forwards but also as one of its most respected figures both on and off the ice.

Selected by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Bergeron made an immediate impact by cracking the Bruins’ roster as an 18-year-old during the 2003-04 season. While he showed offensive promise early in his career, it quickly became apparent that his value extended far beyond scoring goals. Bergeron developed into one of the NHL’s most complete players, excelling in every situation imaginable. Whether it was shutting down elite opponents, winning crucial faceoffs, contributing on special teams, or producing offense in key moments, he became the player every coach wanted on the ice when the game was on the line.

Throughout his career, Bergeron earned widespread recognition for his defensive excellence. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy a record six times as the NHL’s top defensive forward and was a finalist on numerous other occasions. His ability to anticipate plays, disrupt opposing offenses, and maintain possession made him one of the most reliable players of his generation.

Bergeron’s crowning team achievement came in 2011 when he helped lead the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup championship since 1972. He played a pivotal role throughout the playoffs, scoring key goals and providing the steady leadership that became synonymous with his career. He later helped guide Boston to additional Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2013 and 2019, cementing the Bruins as perennial contenders during his tenure.

What truly separated Bergeron from many of his peers, however, was his reputation for sportsmanship and leadership. He won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2013 for his humanitarian efforts and community involvement, and he captured the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2022, an award recognizing sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of play. These honors reflected the respect he commanded throughout the hockey world.

Following the departure of Zdeno Chara as Bruins captain, Bergeron officially assumed the captaincy in 2021. Yet many within the organization believed he had been one of the team's leaders long before receiving the “C.” His calm demeanor, professionalism, and relentless work ethic set the standard in Boston’s dressing room. Younger players frequently pointed to Bergeron as the ideal role model, while teammates consistently praised his willingness to lead by example rather than through grand speeches.

Perhaps the greatest testament to Bergeron’s character is the respect he earned from opponents. Rival players, coaches, and fans alike routinely described him as one of the most honorable competitors in the game. In an era often defined by controversy and conflict, Bergeron became known for his humility, accountability, and unwavering commitment to the team above personal accolades.

When Bergeron retired following the 2022-23 season, he left behind a legacy that extended well beyond statistics and championships. He will be remembered as one of the greatest two-way forwards in NHL history, but also as a model captain whose sportsmanship, integrity, and leadership helped define an entire generation of Boston Bruins hockey.