Legendary Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron listened to his body and gut instinct when deciding to retire after 19 seasons in the NHL.
The 38-year-old spoke to the media Wednesday to discuss the end of his two-decade chapter on the ice.
“20 years is a lot of hockey, a lot of games," he told reporters. "The game is physically very demanding. It takes a toll on your body, and no major issues, but there’s obviously some aches and pains from the past when I wake up in the morning.”
“I’m a very intuitive guy. I feel like I always listen to my instincts and to my heart. It’s time to let that heal and move on.”
After his remarkable career, Bergeron told reporters he’s looking forward to stepping away from the sport. Hoping to catch up on some quality time with his wife Stephanie and their four kids, the six-foot-one, 196-pound forward is not planning to get into coaching any time soon.
“I don’t think it’s in the cards," he said. "Never say never, but for now, I don’t have a want or will to coach.
“I’ve always been grateful for being a professional athlete and being able to live a childhood dream. But, it takes away some family time and some time away from the kids.
“I have some catching up to do, and I'm looking forward to that. It will be a nice change to finally be the Uber driver for the family for a little bit and just relax.”
Bergeron announced his retirement on Tuesday after a 20-year run in Boston.
The first-line centre played in 1,294 career games and recorded a whopping 1,040 points (427 goals, 613 assists). He’s third all-time for goals, points and games played for the Bruins.
Chosen 45th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft by the Bruins, the team's future captain earned a spot on their roster for the 2003-04 season. At just 18 years old, Bergeron was the youngest player in the league, scoring 16 goals and adding 23 assists for 39 points in 71 games.
Seven years into his career, Bergeron led Boston to Stanley Cup victory in 2011. He scored the game and series winner to help the Bruins hoist their first Cup in nearly four decades. One year later, the forward captured his first of six Selke Trophies in 2012, earning the title of the NHL's top defensive forward.
The Bruins are expected to retire Bergeron’s No. 37.
“When you get drafted, you never know where you’re going to end up or what the journey is going to be like. I couldn’t be more grateful and thankful for being here," said Bergeron. “Arriving as an 18-year-old kid, and not knowing too much, whether it’s language or even the adult life really, the city took me under its wing and embraced me. It’s been special."
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