Beyond the Rink | Bergeron's Impact is About More Than Hockey

BOSTON - Brad Marchand was feeling good about himself.

The young winger, never lacking confidence, was participating in one of his first Development Camps after being drafted by the Bruins in 2006 and feeling like he was ready to make the jump to the National Hockey League.

But Marchand quickly received quite the wakeup call.

Patrice Bergeron, then a rising star, was rehabbing at the time, so he took the ice with the organization's prospects for an offseason skate and engaged in a battle drill with Marchand in the corner.

"We were all in awe because it's Patrice Bergeron," said Marchand. "Everybody knew he was the young stud and I remember I was battling with him in the corner, and I was just blown away because I thought at that time that I was an NHL caliber player. And that was the first real taste I had of meeting not only just an NHL player but one of the best. It was a real eye-opening moment."

It was then that Marchand realized how much work was left for him to do to continue his ascension to the Black & Gold.

"I instantly had so much respect, because obviously I knew who he was and I had watched him play and stuff, but I really didn't know how good he was," said Marchand. "And that's when you can really get a lot of respect for guys when you practice against them and play with them and see them every day.

"When I had to compete against him, I couldn't get anywhere near that puck. I was trying to go hard, and I was trying to just show off…all the management were there, and he just embarrassed me out there.

"It was kind of a welcome to the NHL moment, competing against one of the best, so that was pretty cool."

What's even cooler is that some 15 years later, Marchand can say he was linemates - for over a decade - with one of the best all-around forwards in the history of the National Hockey League, as the pair became one of the most dynamic duos in the game, while also forming a unique bond both on and off the ice.

"Bergy and I…the more and more we played together, the closer we got," said Marchand. "But I think the one thing that really helped bond our relationship was, Bergy was on the cover of NHL [15, the video game]. And we went out to [Los Angeles] - him, his brother [Guillaume], myself and we did some commercials but then we just spent a couple days together in L.A., and I think we really bonded.

"It was the first time we didn't have any hockey to focus on, it was summertime…we had an absolute blast out there together and I think those were some pretty strong moments for us to bond outside of the rink and outside of hockey and really just become better friends."

Despite Bergeron's announcement earlier this week that he would retire after 19 seasons with the Black & Gold, it is a bond that will, no doubt, endure. As will Bergeron's indelible impact on the Bruins organization and all of those who played with or worked with him during his remarkable career.

And while his fierce competitive edge on the ice is what first caught Marchand's attention on the ice all those years ago, there is so much more - beyond the ice - that has turned Bergeron's career into one of the greatest in Bruins history.

"There's only three people I call special, my kids and my wife…and I call Bergy special," said David Krejci, who was the other half of Boston's formidable 1-2 punch down the middle of the ice for the past 17 years. "Bergy's like my brother. We've been together for so long…when you're in the room with somebody and you don't talk, and you still feel comfortable around that person, that's how you know he's a real friend."

Krejci, who was roommates with Bergeron during his rookie season in 2006-07, knew from the beginning that the Quebec native was "for real."

"I think one of the really great qualities about Bergy is that he always brings the guys together," said Krejci. "Whenever he writes something in the group [text] message, it's happening, or everybody goes. He's the guy that everybody likes to follow, and it always feels right.

"It seems like every time he makes a decision, it's the right one. If it's on or off the ice, sometimes it's maybe too perfect."

And that may be Bergeron's greatest legacy.

Hockey & Humanity

The Quebec native's list of accolades is endless, of course - the record six Selke Trophies, the Stanley Cup championship in 2011, the three All-Star appearances, the two Olympic gold medals - and will surely land him in the Hockey Hall of Fame someday.

But Bergeron's reputation as one of sport's great leaders is what truly separated him from the rest.

"What makes Bergy so special, he's just an unbelievable human being," said longtime linemate David Pastrnak. "He's always looking out for other people to help them out. He can tell every time if one guy is down or sad and he will always be the first one there to try to help you...he's always there for you. It's amazing how good he is at recognizing when people need help or are a little sad or down that day. He always somehow knows about it and helps you out and brightens your mood.

"I really love Bergy as a person. It's been a pleasure to learn from a guy like that. It's not always about the hockey but it's about the humanity as well and he's a big part of a lot of guys growing up and good people."

For Brandon Carlo, it was the after-dinner walks on the road that made the biggest impact.

"I think a lot of people will always go to memories of on the ice stuff and things that he did throughout his career, but for me personally, there was a lot of times that I had the opportunity to just go on a walk after dinner with Bergy and just talk, one-on-one with nobody else around," said Carlo.

"That's where our friendship really grew, and that's something I'll definitely miss during the season because he was always there to help me through any situation I was going through. There's many of those moments where I got to have the pleasure of just walking around outside the hotel just with Bergy, and those moments stood out the most to me."

Sometimes those chats happened in a hallway at Warrior Ice Arena or TD Garden, or wherever Bergeron sensed that something might be amiss.

"I think Bergy does some things behind closed doors, not only for his teammates but for his teammates' families…knowing what to say at the right times, helping guys in need," said Jeremy Swayman. "Pulling guys aside and helping them through anything is something that I'll never forget from him. I think just his attention to detail and knowing everyone in the room and knowing his surroundings really well and taking care of others before taking care of himself it seems like is one of his most incredible traits.

"And another thing he does is he practices what he preaches but he doesn't have to preach anything because he shows it through his actions every day."

Bergeron came to understand that those personal conversations with teammates, that may have had nothing to do with hockey, were critically important to players' careers after his nearly came to an end following a hit from behind from the Flyers' Randy Jones in October 2007 that left him with a severe concussion and kept him sidelined for nearly a year.

During the dark days of his recovery, Bergeron put a focus on mental health with help from psychologist Dr. Steve Durant and his mentor, former Bruins centerman Martin Lapointe. Roughly a decade later, Bergeron - Video: What makes Bergeron so special? - helped Gemel Smith, who donned the Spoked-B for a brief three-game stint in 2018-19, find help for his own mental health struggles.

"You could tell he was also monitoring the room and making sure that guys' spirits were high and that everybody was essentially just OK," said Carlo. "In this day and age, mental health is a big thing. I feel like Bergy did an amazing thing for a lot of us with that regard and I've learned a lot from that."

Hampus Lindholm, who played with Bergeron for only a season-plus, likewise has been struck by Bergeron's penchant for putting others ahead of himself.

"He sees everyone, and he doesn't miss anything," said Lindholm. "And he cares about everyone more than he cares about himself which is such a nice compliment to him and the way he carries himself on the ice, too. He respects everyone the same amount. Doesn't matter if you play on the fourth line or the first line, and also how good of a player he is and all he's accomplished and still doing that, it's remarkable."

A Pillar of the Community

Charlie Coyle recalled a time as a 12-year-old when he met Bergeron, who was in his first year as a pro, and received his initial taste of how well the up-and-coming Bruins star treated those around him, even when a pack of young hockey players was swarming him in the middle of a local rink in Bridgewater.

"The way he treated us made you want to cheer for him that much more and that's something I'll always remember," said the Weymouth native. "Bergy just does everything right. From on the ice, off the ice, the way he treats people, he genuinely cares for everyone. He genuinely cares about the team…he's someone you look up to if you're anyone, not just a hockey player but just any person, you want to be like Patrice Bergeron."

That, of course, transcends hockey.

In addition to his Hall of Fame exploits on the ice, Bergeron's efforts off of it were just as impressive. From a young age, he made sure to give back to his adopted home when he began the Patrice's Pals program in 2006, hosting children from different charitable groups around Boston - totaling around 10,000 through last season - in a suite for every Bruins home game at TD Garden.

Among those impacted the most was Matt Brown, the Norwood High School hockey player, who after suffering a spinal cord injury on the ice in 2010 received multiple visits at the hospital from Bergeron and formed a lasting friendship with the B's star.

"Over the years, I've been incredibly lucky to meet some amazing people. Patrice Bergeron sits at the top of that list," Brown said via his social media accounts this week. "The impact that he had on kids and families through his Patrice's Pals will be what I always remember. Just a special person and as good as they come."

He also spearheaded the Cuts for a Cause charitable event from 2015-18, before it switched over to the Pucks & Paddles Ping tournament in 2018 (over $400,000 raised), while also leading the Bruins' annual holiday toy shopping event, which has delivered over $100,000 worth of toys to benefit young patients at Boston hospitals since 2010.

In 2013, Bergeron was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is given out annually to the player who "best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice while making a significant humanitarian contribution to his community." He was also nominated for the award in 2020 and 2023.

He received the NHL Foundation Award for his charitable work in 2014 and on three occasions - 2006-07, 2019-20, and 2022-23 - he was the recipient of the John P. Bucyk Award, which is given annually to a Bruin for their charitable and community endeavors.

And in 2020, in the aftermath of George Floyd's death, Bergeron donated $25,000 each to the Boston chapter of the NAACP and the Centre Multiethnique de Quebec.

"As a person, I think he's just so genuine," said Matt Grzelcyk. "No matter if you've been here for one day or 10 years, he treats everyone the same and makes you feel really welcome. I know everyone who has come into contact with him has nothing but good things to say about him. He's a truly an inspiring guy and so special to be around."

Creating a Culture

Back in the dressing room, Bergeron along with longtime Bruins captain Zdeno Chara - and others like Mark Recchi, Andrew Ference, and Shawn Thornton - created a culture of respect, dedication, and character that has been passed on over the course of the past 15 years and helped shape one of the most successful runs in the near 100-year history of the club, which included a Stanley Cup title in 2011, two other trips to the Final in 2013 and 2019, and three Presidents' Trophies in 2014, 2020, and 2023.

"Patrice is a perfect example of what Boston Bruins hockey is all about," said Bruins president Cam Neely. "He has been an amazing teammate and extraordinary leader, helping establish a culture of work ethic, respect, and selflessness. On the ice, Patrice has been one of the greatest all-around players in league history and in the community, he has led the way in giving back to this great city and its fans. The Bruins organization is fortunate to have had Patrice represent us for the last 20 years."

In addition to his commitment to being the best leader and friend he could be, Bergeron - who was awarded the NHL's Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2021 - also set an example for his teammates to follow when it came to hard work and dedication to his craft, whether it was in the gym or on the ice. That was never on display more clearly than during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final when he suited up for Game 6 against the Chicago Blackhawks despite suffering from a broken rib, torn cartilage, and a punctured lung that required a multiple-day stay in the hospital.

"Bergy is just one of a kind, one in a million," said Charlie McAvoy. "Off the ice, on the ice, a true gentleman. He works his ass off in everything he does. He's totally committed in everything he's ever done, the way that he carries himself. He does it all the right way. What an incredible person that I've been able to learn from."

So, when the time came for the Bruins to select a new captain upon Chara's departure after 15 years in 2020, the decision of who would become the 26th player in Bruins history to don the 'C' was an easy one.

"Patrice was a quiet and effective leader from the day he came to Boston," said Jeremy M. Jacobs, Owner of the Bruins and Chairman of the NHL Board of Governors. "He led by example and through hard work, which made him that much more respected among his teammates and throughout the league. The Boston Bruins are a stronger organization for him having been here. He will forever be a Bruin."

"Patrice is a once-in-a-generation leader," added Charlie Jacobs, CEO and Alternate Governor of the Bruins. "It has been an honor having him in Boston for his entire NHL career and to watch him grow into the role model he is. We are immensely proud of him. He will be in our Bruins family for life."

Among the most important pillars that Bergeron helped erect within the Bruins dressing room was a welcome environment for all, chiefly those who were coming to the team for the first time. On countless occasions there were stories about a phone call after a free-agent signing or a quick chat upon a newcomer's arrival to Warrior Ice Arena during which Bergeron was always there to lend a hand - and his voice.

"I think my favorite memory for me was when I met him for the first time…just how excited he was to meet me then," said Pavel Zacha, who was acquired via trade from the New Jersey Devils in July 2022. "I heard so many good things about him. And just the way he talked, and how he made me feel good about being on the team. And then first practice, I never thought he'd work as hard as he did. He absolutely destroyed me on the ice and just had this smile on his face the whole time, too.

"It just kind of showed me that he's serious, that's how he's been that way throughout his whole career. That was my first memory that I had with him and the first impression of him was right away, mind-blown with what kind of great guy and great leader he is.

"No one has a bad word to say about him."

A Reach Far and Wide

Not even those that played against him.

While longtime Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had plenty of head-to-head battles against Bergeron in the NHL, he also had the good fortune of playing with Bergeron for Team Canada on multiple occasions, including winning gold at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, as well as the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, experience that provided him with a unique understanding of what makes the record 12-time Selke Trophy finalist an exceptional player and person.

"It's been a pleasure to compete against you and a special honor to be your teammate over the years," Crosby said in a statement released by the Penguins. "Your achievements speak for themselves, but the person you are is what stands out the most. For anyone who has played with or against you, there isn't a better example to follow."

Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan has likewise seen the Bergeron Experience from both sides, having been the Bruins head coach for Bergeron's first two seasons in the NHL (2003-06), before coaching against him as an assistant for Tampa (2007-08), the Rangers (2009-13), and Vancouver (2013-14), and for the last eight years as head coach in Pittsburgh.

"It was clear to me from my earliest experiences coaching Patrice that he was a special player," Sullivan said in a statement released by the Penguins. "He was mature beyond his years and a great example, both on and off the ice, of a true professional in the NHL. Beyond his successful career, he was always the consummate Boston Bruin."

No one knows better what it means to be a consummate Boston Bruin than Ray Bourque, who spent 21 years in the Spoked-B and helped create the environment that put an emphasis on giving back to the community and made it one of the most fundamental parts of being part of the Black & Gold.

"From day one until today, Patrice approached his job with unwavering dedication and passion, setting an example for all," Bourque said in a statement released on his social media channels. "We congratulate him on an amazing career that has inspired countless players and fans alike. Not only was Patrice an extraordinary player day in, day out, year after year, but he also exemplifies what it means to be a better man off the ice.

"Because of his talent and remarkable character, I eagerly await the day when we can celebrate his career as he joins a special club in the rafters of the Garden. Thank you, Patrice, for your dedication and inspiration. Your legacy will forever live in the city of Boston."

And, undoubtedly, across New England.

Bergeron's impact was even felt down in Foxborough where some of the New England Patriots longest-tenured and most well respected leaders offered up their own praise of the retiring Bruns captain as training camp opened this week.

"I think he should be celebrated as an icon for the city of Boston and Boston sports," said Patriots captain Matthew Slater, who now takes over for Bergeron as the longest tenured athlete in town, having joined New England in 2008. "Consistency is the thing that stood out to me about him. I probably was about five or six years into my career before I really started looking at what those guys were doing. He was a guy who gave that organization and gave that city so much consistency. I think that's something to celebrate.

"The other thing I appreciate is the loyalty. With the way pro sports go nowadays, it's not uncommon for guys to move and go other places, but for him to do it here for as long as he did is tremendous."

"What an amazing career he's had," added Patriots captain David Andrews. "A lot of respect for the way he's carried himself…just the way he's carried himself in the community and led that team, I think it's been really impressive."

Legendary coach Bill Belichick likened Bergeron to one of the most respected Patriots of the last 20 years.

"All the coaches that have been here, Claude [Julien], Bruce [Cassidy], Jim [Montgomery] now, everybody's raved about him and what he's met to the team and the organization," Belichick told the media. "He's kind of like their Devin McCourty - he did everything right, a great leader and player."

A Lasting Legacy

A ticket to the Hall of Fame and the TD Garden rafters no doubt awaits No. 37.

But as he said during his retirement press conference on Wednesday, what has always been most important to him is being a good role model for the next generation.

As evidenced by the people that have been influenced by him the most, his mission has been accomplished.

"He's the perfect human being, I would say in my mind," said Linus Ullmark. "It doesn't matter what you do, who you are, what you look like, he will treat you with the same amount of respect. For me, that speaks a lot about the character of Patrice Bergeron. The way that he carries himself every single day and the way that he is around everyone is mind-blowing.

"If everybody could have a little piece of Patrice Bergeron in themselves, the world would be a better place."