It’s heartbreaking: A very talented Boston Bruins player has announced his sudden retirement, sending a powerful statement and bidding the team and supporters a heartfelt farewell.
Hen When I was about twelve years old, my teacher assigned us to write about our dreams in our essays. My dream was always obvious to me: I wanted to play professional hockey.
Growing up, I was probably a little naive because I always thought that this dream would come true—when it would happen, not if. It was not an easy road to realizing my dreams. I had to overcome hardships and make a lot of sacrifices, but despite everything, I never lost my passion for the game or my will to succeed.
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I’ve had the opportunity to live my dream every day for the past 20 years. I’ve had the privilege of representing my nation at the top levels of international competition while donning the Bruins uniform and playing in front of the world’s greatest supporters. I have poured all of my physical and emotional energy into the game, and it has returned far more than I could have ever dreamed of.
I am announcing my retirement from professional hockey today with great gratitude and a full heart.
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Even though it’s difficult to write, I do it because I realize how fortunate I am to have had the career I have and the freedom to leave the game I love whenever I want. I didn’t make this decision hastily. However, after talking to my family and paying attention to my body, I have a gut feeling that it’s time for me to stop playing the game I adore.
I also realize that none of this would have been possible without the support of some incredible people, and I humbly would like to take this opportunity to thank them for making my career so amazing and for helping me reach my goals.
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My love for hockey was sparked by a plethora of coaches, teammates, and parents, who I was fortunate enough to have in my life from my minor hockey days in Quebec City through Major Junior in Acadie-Bathurst. I am grateful that you laid the foundation for a lifelong passion.
I was drafted by the Bruins in 2003, and everyone in the organization saw potential in me as soon as I put on my draft sweater. The Jacobs family, team management, coaches, trainers, support personnel, team physicians and psychologists, scouts, and TD Garden employees are all people I would like to thank. Everyday wear of black and gold was made extra special by this group of people’s dedication and unwavering support both on and off the ice.
The remarkable history of the team is among the best reasons to wear a spoked-B jersey. The players who came before me have always welcomed me with open arms, been there to listen and offer encouragement, and assisted me in better understanding the Bruins’ traditions and associated responsibilities.
Even though it wasn’t always simple, I always made an effort to comprehend that one of my responsibilities as a professional hockey player was to the media, who assisted in telling our story to the fans. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed getting to know a few of you personally, and I’ve always valued fair coverage and the job the media did in narrating our team’s story.
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I’ve had the privilege of sharing the ice with so many amazing teammates over the past 20 years. I have made an effort to pick up knowledge from each and every one of you, and I have always made an effort to be the greatest teammate I can be. Your trust, the jokes, the countless memories, the highs and lows, and most importantly, the enduring friendships, are things I will always cherish. I will always be appreciative of being a part of this remarkable group of men, and I will always be proud of what I accomplished in 2011.
A young French Canadian with poor English skills was welcomed by the wonderful people of New England, and I was treated like one of your own. I can’t think of a more devoted fan base or better community to represent than the Boston Bruins.
I will always remember your kindness, commitment, and passion for my family and me. I promise to compete honorably for you every time I step onto the ice, and off the ice, I do everything in my power to give back to the community that has supported me. My family and I have forged incalculable bonds and friendships here. For my family and me, Boston has always held a special place in our hearts.
The Canadian jersey is the only other jersey that I have ever desired to wear. Some of my proudest moments have also involved representing my nation at the highest level, particularly winning gold in Vancouver and Sochi. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who made those experiences possible.
Being a professional athlete is not an easy life, but my two agents, Phil Lecavalier and Kent Hughes, guided me along the way. I was able to put uncertainty and distractions behind me and concentrate on becoming the best player I could be, thanks to your guidance through the highs and lows of my career. In addition, I have a fantastic group of experts in Boston and Quebec who have helped me realize my full potential by attending to both my physical and mental health.
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My friends and my extended family in Quebec have supported me from the beginning. You all understand who you are. I’m still incredibly grateful for your ongoing assistance.
To my father, Gerard, and my mother, Sylvie. It all began with your unwavering love for each other. There are no better parents than mine. You are the reason for who I am today and what I have accomplished. I can never express how grateful I am for the sacrifices you both made in order to achieve my goals. Despite the fact that nobody else shared my dreams, you guys have always supported me. You have always found the perfect method to lead and support me on this journey.
To Guillaume, my brother:. It’s difficult to put our relationship into words. You are the greatest role model a little brother could ask for and the biggest influence in my life. Playing street hockey with you when we were little was the beginning of my dream, and you have always been my biggest supporter. I will always be grateful for all of your counsel, supportive remarks, and time spent just listening to me.
To Stephanie, my spouse. You’re my hero, Steph. You gave up your job so I could follow my passion. Being thankful is an understatement when it comes to how much I value your sacrifices. Your unwavering love means the world to me, and you always find the good in every circumstance. Above all, you always consider me a father and a husband before a hockey player. I’m very fortunate to have you, as are the kids. I cherish you.
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To my amazing children, Felix, Noah, Victoria, and Zack. Daddy adores you a lot. As I close this chapter of my life, I hope that my experiences have inspired you to believe that everything is possible for you. Trust in your aspirations and pay attention to your inner guidance. Put in endless effort toward whatever it is that brings joy to your eyes, and when things get difficult, get back up and keep going. I am the living proof that everything is possible and that when you follow your passion and have faith in yourself, incredible things can happen. No matter where life leads you, Daddy will always be there for you.
And lastly, to the upcoming group of hockey players:. When I was twelve years old, I had a dream, and more than I could have ever imagined, my dreams came true with hard work and perseverance. Honor your teammates and the game. Embrace difficulty and just have fun. The game will make you extremely happy, no matter where you go after that.
I have no regrets as I leave today. I’m just happy that I was able to fulfill my dream and am looking forward to what lies ahead for my family and me. I’m grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to represent this amazing city and the Boston Bruins supporters by giving it my all.
