Goalie Jonathan Bernier, who spent 14 seasons in the National Hockey League, announced his retirement on Monday.
The 35-year-old goalie revealed the news on Instagram along with a statement on his intention to give up skating.
Part of Bernier’s post says, “There are no words to express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of my hockey journey since Day 1.” “Without all of you I couldn’t have done it.”
The Laval, Quebec, native entered the league with great anticipation after being selected by the Los Angeles Kings with the 11th overall pick in 2006. He was successful early in his career as Jonathan Quick’s backup.
As Quick’s backup in 2012, Bernier also won a Stanley Cup with the Kings, but the young goalie was eventually kept out of the play during Los Angeles’ unexpected championship run.
After a contentious trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs the next season, Bernier and James Reimer formed a strong, although frequently contentious, duo. Bernier enjoyed the best seasons of his career in the Blue and White, including a.922 save percentage in 55 games in 2013–14, even though the team missed the playoffs in all three of his years in Toronto.
The NHL career of Jonathan Bernier has ended. Mike Stobe/NHLI photo sourced from Getty Images
The NHL career of Jonathan Bernier has ended. Mike Stobe/NHLI photo sourced from Getty Images (Getty Images / NHLI)
After his time in Toronto, the veteran played for the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, and New Jersey Devils before transitioning into more of a supporting role, mostly as a backup. Bernier’s last season with the Devils was 2021–22, although he was forced to miss the majority of the season due to a persistent hip injury.
Bernier finishes his NHL career with a record of 165-163-40, a 2.78 goals-against average, 18 shutouts, and a.912 save percentage.
