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Hometown boy Patrice Bergeron makes major plea for Quebec City's defunct NHL franchise
Former Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron made an emotional plea for the NHL to bring a team back to his native Quebec City. Bergeron was in Quebec City for an exhibition game between the Bruins and Los Angeles Kings.
In a press conference before the game, Bergeron expressed his desire to see the NHL return to Quebec City.
"I would love for the Nordiques to come back one day. I grew up here, I grew up idolizing some of the players that played. I think it gives hope and dreams for a younger generation. So, obviously I can't say enough good things about, you know, having a team here so. " Bergeron said.
The Quebec Nordiques used to be the city's NHL team, before moving to Colorado in 1995. They rebranded as the Avalanche and clinched the Stanley Cup in their debut season post-relocation.
“I'm sure having a couple games for the fans for them to enjoy and you know be able to get close to the action and see what it's like and you know obviously is, it's special," Bergeron said.
The six-time Selke Trophy winner grew up playing hockey in Quebec City, saying the winter time was a "pretty special time" with neighborhood outdoor rinks packed with kids playing hockey.
Bergeron said the passion for hockey remains strong in Quebec City.
"Hockey is definitely the sport here and it's obviously enjoyed by many," he remarked.
Bergeron made it clear that bringing the NHL back would mean a lot to him and his hometown.
Patrice Bergeron on returning to NHL
Patrice Bergeron received a pregame honor at the Bruins-Kings preseason match which featured video messages from former teammates Zdeno Chara and Sidney Crosby. Also, he was gifted with a large oil painting to mark his 2011 Stanley Cup victory with the Bruins.
In his comments on returning from retirement, the 39-year-old Bergeron acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. (Start at 2:01 of video)
"Making a comeback? I don’t know, it’s a good question," he said."It’s something you’d definitely consider, you know, I was a big fan growing up and it would definitely be special."
However, after spending two decades with the Bruins organization, Bergeron noted,
"Boston has a big place in my heart as well, so I don’t know what the real answer is to that, but it’s definitely something I would consider. "
Patrice Bergeron played his entire 19-year NHL career with the Bruins and finished with 1,040 points, including 427 goals and 613 assists.
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