Patrice Bergeron
A consummate two-way center whose defensive mastery and quiet leadership defined an era of Boston Bruins hockey.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: July 24·Millennials
Biography
Patrice Bergeron's career is a masterclass in sustained excellence and intelligent play. Drafted 45th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2003, he made the team immediately as an 18-year-old, signaling the arrival of a uniquely complete player. While he possessed a scorer's touch, Bergeron will be remembered as the modern standard for a two-way forward, winning a record six Frank J. Selke Trophies as the league's best defensive forward. His hockey IQ, faceoff prowess, and unwavering consistency made him the backbone of Bruins teams that reached three Stanley Cup Finals, capturing the championship in 2011. As captain, his poised, lead-by-example demeanor cemented his status as one of the most respected players of his generation, leaving a legacy defined as much by responsibility as by skill.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Patrice was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Patrice Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Patrice's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
- Holds the NHL record with six Frank J. Selke Trophies as the league's top defensive forward.
- Captained Team Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
- Played his entire 19-season NHL career with the Boston Bruins.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in both English and French.
He suffered a severe concussion and broken nose during the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals but continued to play.
His jersey number 37 was chosen in honor of his birth year, 1985 (3+7=10, 1+9+8+5=23, and 10+23=37).
“The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.”
