Former Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron has no regrets whatsoever about retiring from professional hockey at the end of last season.
The 38-year-old, who scored 1,040 points in 1,294 games with the Bruins, spends a lot of time with his family and even pursues activities he had put off during his playing career, such as learning guitar or playing tennis.
“I took the exam long enough in the summer to be happy with my decision,” he assured in an interview with “JiC” on Friday.
“It didn’t bother me or tickle me in the fall or winter,” he added. The reason I made this decision is to spend as much time as possible with my family at home and not regret missing the years my children are currently experiencing.
Bergeron admitted that his body has also suffered enough of the setbacks associated with his playing career, but admitted that he is missing one thing.
“The only thing I miss is the camaraderie,” he said.
“I will always miss the stories and the laughter,” the Quebecer added.
Bergeron also said his former teammate and friend Brad Marchand, now captain of the Bruins, had stopped suggesting he return to the game.
“At first he talked to me about it a little bit, but over time he stopped asking me,” he revealed. Obviously we talk to each other fairly regularly, I think the discussions are now focused on other topics.
And what's more: “They are so successful as a team that they don't need reinforcements,” he said.
A tribute to Marchand
Bergeron will attend a Bruins tribute to Marchand on Monday for his 1,000th NHL game. The two played rain and shine within the same offensive unit for several seasons, most notably winning the Stanley Cup in 2011.
“It's really special to be able to share the ice with him for so many years,” he said of the man who succeeded him as Bruins captain.
In his opinion, Marchand was also the ideal choice to wear the “C.”
“For me it was an easy answer, I love him as a player and as a friend and I knew he was the perfect candidate to be the next captain,” he said.
Watch the full interview in the main video.