The Boston Bruins announced on Thursday that the club intends to retire former captain Patrice Bergeron’s number 37 in a ceremony next season.
Bergeron played 1,294 NHL games, all with Boston, registering 427G, and 613A (1,040 points) between 2003 and 2023. Originally drafted 45th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the 40 year old would go on to capture a Stanley Cup, 6x Selke Trophies, a King Clancy Memorial Trophy, and a Mark Messier Leadership Award during his time in Boston.
“Patrice was the kind of rare, generational talent that every team wanted,” said Bruins Owner and Governor, Jeremy M. Jacobs. “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.”
Bergeron’s number 37 will be the 14th number retired by the organization joining Zdeno Chara, Willie O’Ree, Rick Middleton, Cam Neely, Terry O’Reilly, Ray Bourque, Phil Esposito, Johnny Bucyk, Bobby Orr, Milt Schmidt, Eddie Shore, Aubrey Clapper, and Lionel Hitchman.
“Across his remarkable 20-year career, Patrice Bergeron established himself as one of the greatest two-way forwards the game has seen and as a cornerstone to one of the most successful periods of Bruins hockey in our franchise’s history,” said Bruins President Cam Neely. “But what elevates Patrice even further is that he made us proud each and every time he pulled on the Spoked-B. He led with humility, integrity and respect for everyone around him, setting a tone of inclusivity and collaboration that was vital to our success. Patrice remains someone that our organization, our fans, our city and our sport can look up to. And now, we will all get to look up to the rafters and see No. 37 for generations to come, securing Patrice’s legacy as one of the very best to ever don the Black & Gold.”
Internationally Bergeron represented Canada at multiple events, capturing gold at the 2010 & 2014 Olympics, as well as the 2004 World Championships. He’d also add gold at the Canada Cup in 2016, the 2005 World Juniors, and 2012 Spengler Cup as well to further stock his overflowing trophy cabinet.
The native of L’Ancienne Lorette, QC scored the Stanley Cup winning goal in 2011, and has subsequently been inducted into the IIHF hockey hall of fame. He ranks third in franchise history in games played, goals and points, and ranks 4th in assists.
“To have my number retired by the Boston Bruins is an honor that is difficult to put into words,” said Patrice Bergeron. “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.”
The team says they will release further details regarding the ceremony at a later date.
Photo: Naomi. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.