Bergeron's Ascent to the Bruins Captaincy is Complete

BOSTON- Brad Marchand sat in front of a screen at his home on Thursday afternoon to meet with the assembled media about his long-time linemate, Patrice Bergeron, being named the captain of the Boston Bruins.
As he spoke about his friend and teammate, Marchand was interrupted as his daughter, Sawyer, approached him for some help with gearing up in her Spiderman costume.
Marchand stepped away and took care of his fatherly duties before returning to finish his answer.
It was a fitting look at how much the 32-year-old has grown over his decade-plus tenure in Black & Gold. For Marchand, it's a maturity, on and off the ice, that can certainly be attributed - at least in part - to Bergeron's influence on him both as a hockey player and a person.

"I think the biggest thing for him is that he shows you how to be professional," said Marchand. "Early on he helped me and was able to teach me how to be a professional…how you carry yourself off the ice.
"He's such a great example of that. It's so easy to see when you're around him all the time…it not only translates to hockey but so many other areas in life and about how to be a good person."
Bergeron has impacted a countless number of teammates in similar ways over his 17-year career with the Black & Gold, with his humility, grace, and dedication serving as shining examples for every player that passes through the Bruins dressing room. His standing in the organization - and the National Hockey League - made him an obvious choice to follow Zdeno Chara as the club's 20th captain.
"You can't say enough about this guy," said David Krejci, who has been an alternate captain alongside Bergeron since 2013. "He shows up every night to play games, shows up every practice, not just on the ice but off the ice. He's got the right things to say all the time.
"It just makes it fun when you have someone there you can lean on. He's a good friend, a good player, and you know he has your back."

Next in Line

Bergeron becomes the latest in a long line of revered Bruins to don the 'C' in Black & Gold. Of the 19 men who have come before him, seven have their numbers hanging in the TD Garden rafters, while seven have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame - with Chara and Joe Thornton likely to follow when their storied careers conclude.
"To be Captain of an Original Six franchise is an honor, and a role that comes with much responsibility to his teammates and the fans," said Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs. "There is no doubt in my mind that Patrice is the natural successor to the Captain role, and he will represent this franchise very well."
The native of L'Ancienne Lorette, Quebec, joins Chara (2006-20), Thornton (2002-05), Jason Allison (2000-01), Ray Bourque (1985-2000), Rick Middleton (1985-88), Terry O'Reilly (1983-85), Wayne Cashman (1977-83), John Bucyk (1966-67 and 1973-77), Leo Boivin (1963-66), Don McKenney (1961-63), Ferny Flaman (1955-61), Ed Sandford (1954-55), Milt Schmidt (1950-54), John Crawford (1946-50), Ralph 'Cooney' Weiland (1938-39), Aubrey 'Dit' Clapper (1932-38 and 1939-47), George Owen (1931-32), Lionel Hitchman (1927-31), and Sprague Cleghorn (1925-27) in holding the title.
It is a legendary and exclusive club, one that Bergeron feels humbled to be a part of.
"There have been some tremendous captains and leaders along the way and some legends of the game," said Bergeron. "It's an absolute honor. I'm going to try and keep bettering myself and keep learning and leading by example, but also trying to be me. I think that's all I can really do and try to connect with my teammates.
"It's a historic franchise that has done so much. To be a part of it and actually be named captain is something very special."
Across his 17-year career with the Bruins, Bergeron - now Boston's longest-tenured professional athlete - has carved out his remarkable place in the club's nearly 100-year history.
Entering the 2020-21 campaign, the centerman ranks third in Bruins history in games played (1,089) and game-winning goals (67), fifth in goals (352) and assists (517), and sixth in points (869). The 6-foot-1, 195-pound pivot also ranks third in Bruins history in playoff games (149), playoff points (111), playoff assists (69) and fourth in playoff goals (42).
"Patrice Bergeron exudes leadership, character, talent, will and empathy," said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. "We all know Bergy embraces the legacy of the Boston Bruins, as he will with the Captaincy."
Bergeron, known for his 200-foot effort, has also been nominated for the Selke Trophy, given annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game, for nine consecutive seasons and won the award in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017 - which is tied with Hall of Fame forward Bob Gainey of the Montreal Canadiens for most all-time.
"For 16 seasons we have all watched Patrice grow not only into an elite player but also a tremendous leader," said Bruins President Cam Neely. "Patrice represents the Bruins organization and our fans with integrity, determination and class. On and off the ice, he embodies what it means to be a Bruin, and we couldn't be prouder that he will lead our team as Captain."
While his on-ice accomplishments will likely land him in the Hockey Hall of Fame one day, it is his work away from the rink that separates him from the pack and makes him one of the most respected athletes in the history of Boston sports.
In addition to his Patrice's Pals program - which brings patients from local hospitals and children's organizations to TD Garden for Bruins games - Bergeron has also spearheaded the team's annual Holiday Toy Shopping and Hospital Visit events, as well as the team's annual Pucks and Paddles ping pong tournament.
His impact on the city of Boston - as well as his hometown where he holds the annual Gagne-Bergeron Pro-Am to benefit Quebec's children's hospitals - has expanded well past the walls of TD Garden and earned him the 2013 King Clancy Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities both on and off the ice.
"He has carried himself with great integrity, humility and resiliency," said Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs, "We are incredibly proud to have Patrice fill this important role and look forward to watching him lead the locker room this season and beyond."

Learning from the Best

Bergeron credits Chara for being one of his greatest influences. At the same time that the big blue liner took over the captaincy upon his arrival as a free agent in 2006, Bergeron was also entrusted with one of Boston's alternate captain positions. It is a title that he carried until Thursday and a responsibility that he used to help Chara create and foster an environment of inclusion, respect, and success.
"We're a bond forever," said Bergeron. "I've had many conversations with him. Then by the end, we've had that conversation about moving forward. He's always been a great influence on me. He's helped me a lot. We tried to help each other out throughout this whole process.
"I became a better leader because of him, and I owe him a lot."
Chara departed for Washington via free agency on Dec. 31 after 14 seasons as Boston's captain, the second-longest tenure in Bruins history behind Bourque. Upon arriving in the nation's capital, the 43-year-old left little doubt about who he believed should succeed him.
"He is absolutely the right person to have as a captain," said Chara. "He's been part of the Boston Bruins organization for [17] years now. He's meant so much to the team, the organization, the community. He's gonna be an unbelievable captain and leader. He's well proven in crunch time to deliver. The impact he has on the players, teammates, coaches, fans, and everybody in the community is tremendous.
"I can't imagine anybody else to be the captain. I'm truly very happy that he's gonna be the next captain. He really deserves it, and I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for the Bruins, for me personally, supporting our vision and leading together in Boston."
In addition to Chara, Bergeron also credits a number of former Bruins for helping him develop into the leader, player, and person he is today. When Bergeron first arrived in Boston in 2003 after being drafted as an 18-year-old who spoke little to no English, he was taken in by then Bruins forward Martin Lapointe. The lessons he learned from Lapointe both at and away from the rink stick with him to this day.
"Marty Lapointe was all about accountability and doing things the right way as a young guy coming in," said Bergeron, "teaching myself and also the other young guys how to act as a professional."
Bergeron also mentioned the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup championship team - of which he was a critical part, scoring two goals in Game 7 of the Final against Vancouver - as chock full of leaders who were critical in creating that team's character, as well as furthering his personal development. Among the most influential were Mark Recchi, Andrew Ference, Shawn Thornton, and Gregory Campbell.
"I can't deny that Rex has had a tremendous impact on me to help me find my voice," said Bergeron. "Andrew Ference was a captain in Edmonton…he's had a great impact on me. We're good friends, I spoke to him [recently]…I think that 2011 team was full of them. Shawn Thornton was one of those guys that had a huge impact on not only myself, but also a lot of the young guys - establishing that culture.
"You learn from so many guys and I feel so lucky I've had the chance to play with so many great people."

Carrying on the Legacy

For so many players who have pulled on the Spoked-B over the last decade, Bergeron has become that exact type of invaluable influence. Whether they are young players fresh out of the draft or new acquisitions through trade or free agency, Bergeron is always there to make them feel comfortable.
This past offseason when the Bruins were pursuing free-agent winger Craig Smith, it was Bergeron who reached out to offer up advice and answer any questions that Smith might have had about Boston or the organization. The same was true for Charlie Coyle, the local kid who was brought in via trade midway through the 2018-19 season.
"I think everyone probably has a story or two or can think of an instance, there's plenty of them," Coyle said when asked what has stood out about Bergeron during his time in Boston. "But it's kind of just everyday stuff, the little things, just saying hi to you, checking on you, how's life, how's this - younger guys, older guys, it doesn't matter. He treats everyone the same. That's what you need in a leader, guys who make everyone feel welcome."
One moment, in particular, that still resonates with Coyle is Bergeron's rousing and emotional speech before Game 6 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, during which he talked about appreciating the opportunity to live out a childhood dream. The Bruins, spurred on by Bergeron's inspirational words, forced a Game 7 with a 5-1 victory over the Blues.
"It goes from those little things to two playoffs ago in St. Louis and just one of his many speeches that he's had," said Coyle. "Right before the game, hit home with everyone, got us in the right frame of mind…he knows when the time is right to say something, he knows when it's show by example. He's been around the block.
"Of course, having a guy like Big Zee and learning from him can't hurt as well. Patrice has all the qualities of a great, great leader, great teammate, great player. We all see it. I don't want to underplay it…he brings it all."
Marchand believes that during those types of critical situations the greatest of leaders are able to identify the right moments to speak up and choose the perfect words to make the most significant impact. Bergeron, he said, can do exactly that.
"When you start to dip or you start to peak too much, they kind of bring it back in check," said Marchand. "I think that's where you see a lot of good captains. They kind of keep everybody in check. When you get a sense of false confidence or you just get down on yourself too much, it could be dangerous, and it could snowball out of control.
"Guys like [Bergy] and Zee and guys like Rex and Fer and [Chris Kelly] that have a lot of really good leadership qualities, they're able to bring that back in check. Bergy definitely has that ability."

Staying True to Himself

Despite the change in letter, Bergeron said that he will not be altering his leadership style in any significant way. For much of his tenure in Black & Gold, he has tried to be himself and rely on his instincts, while resisting the urge to lead in ways that do not suit his personality or character.
"Leadership is all about making sure you're able to surround yourself with great people - which I am," said Bergeron, referring to Krejci and Marchand, the Bruins' alternate captains. "And also, being able to connect with guys and speak from the heart when it's needed. Lead by example."
With so much of the Bruins' culture already established, Bergeron will be focused on making sure that the team's standard for excellence - on the ice, in the dressing room, and in the community - does not falter. That includes empowering everyone on the roster to feel like they have a place in shaping the team's identity.
"Everyone is important, is valued," said Bergeron. "It's all about connecting with them and making sure we're on the same page and buying in to what we're trying to establish…I don't think it's going to change. I'm going to try and communicate and make sure we connect as a team and create something special moving forward.
"That being said, I think there is a culture that has been established here for many, many years and there has been tremendous and amazing leaders and captains over the years. Zee obviously was one of those guys where there has been a culture that has been in place and we're going to try and carry that on."
Since taking over the bench in February 2017, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy has relied heavily on Bergeron and Chara to police the room and make sure the team remains fresh both physically and mentally. Boston's bench boss has always believed that it's the leadership group that must hold players accountable and take charge while trying to pull the group together during any adversity.
There are times, Cassidy admits, that Bergeron is the one keeping him in check.
"I just think the way he treats people," Cassidy said of what has impressed him the most about Bergeron during his tenure as coach. "There are days I get wound up on the bench and I know he will try to calm me down in his way by encouraging the players and it's kind of a message and a relationship we've built. I can't say anything but positives about Patrice."
From his heroics in 2011 and Game 7 of that unforgettable opening-round playoff series against Toronto in 2013, to his warrior-like performance in the 2013 Cup Final - when he played with torn rib cartilage, a broken rib, a punctured lung, and a separated shoulder - to his determined comeback from a near career-ending concussion in 2007, to that stirring speech in St. Louis, and so many other memorable moments in between, Bergeron has carried himself with the utmost dignity and elegance.
And now that he will represent the Bruins as the club's captain, his journey - while far from over - feels a bit more complete.
"I'm accepting this with lots of humility," said Bergeron. "This is our team, not just my team."