Bourque Praises Bergeron as Hall of Fame Inductee

The Hockey Hall of Fame welcomed six new members at its 2026 induction ceremony on November 9, including former Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron. The class also included Carey Price, Brian Burke, Pekka Rinne, Cindy Curley and Keith Tkachuk.

Ahead of the ceremony, former Bruins captain Ray Bourque spoke about Bergeron’s legacy. Bourque said Bergeron had been his favorite Bruins player in recent years, citing his preparation, conduct, leadership and contributions at both ends of the ice.

Bourque also highlighted Bergeron’s value in different game situations. He said a coach could deploy Bergeron against top opponents to limit their scoring, while Bergeron could also produce offensively.

Bourque entered the Hall of Fame in 2004. Drafted by Boston in 1979, he played for the Bruins until a 2000 trade sent him to Colorado, where he finished his career. He retired in 2001.

Bourque remains Boston’s franchise leader in games played, assists and points, with 1,518 games, 1,111 assists and 1,506 points. He scored 395 goals, seventh-most in team history, and won five Norris Trophies. The Bruins plan to retire Bergeron’s No. 37 on December 1, making it the 14th number raised to the rafters at TD Garden.