The passing years have not dimmed the Olympic flame, which burns inside Patrice Bergeron.
The Boston Bruins captain provided a easy rationalization to reporters Monday why he is excited NHL gamers will compete on the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. NHL gamers have not featured within the Olympics since 2014, and Bergeron believes their return to the occasion in 2022 solely will enhance publicity and curiosity in hockey.
“The Olympics is the best sports activities occasion on this planet,” Bergeron mentioned. “And also you wish to have the perfect athletes competing in that occasion. It has been an honor personally to be there twice and compete with my teammates and attempt to symbolize a rustic to the perfect of your means. It is clearly nice information that as NHL gamers we will be there and competing.
“I believe it is among the greatest hockey that you may watch. The followers at all times appear to be very enthusiastic about it. I’ve heard lots about it from the previous few Olympics (through which NHL gamers competed) the place in Sochi (Russia in 2014) and Vancouver (Canada in 2010) have informed me that it is among the greatest hockey that they’ve seen, so it was entertaining and enjoyable to observe. So I believe it is thrilling for everybody, for the followers, for the gamers.”
Bergeron helped Canada win gold medals within the 2010 and 2014 Video games. He’ll vie to symbolize his nation once more in 2022.
“I believe as a participant you wish to compete and be at your greatest and be in these tournaments. Clearly, it isn’t simple to do, and I do not take it with no consideration in any respect,” Bergeron concluded. “Clearly it’ll be exhausting to be on that group, however it’s clearly an excellent problem.”
If Bergeron earns a spot on Canada’s roster, he’ll be a part of his Bruins boss, Bruce Cassidy, who’s one in every of Workforce Canada’s assistant coaches. Brad Marchand, Taylor Corridor, Charlie McAvoy and different Bruins gamers additionally would possibly compete in Beijing for his or her respective nations.
Bergeron certainly is not alone in being fired up for the prospect to showcase his expertise alongside different NHL stars in Beijing.
