LAS VEGAS – In a season where the NHL’s crowned champion hailed from Tinsel Town, it seemed only fitting that the league’s season finale would be held in the only city that could top Hollywood in glam: Las Vegas.
One of Sin City’s glitziest hotels, Steve Wynn’s Encore, played host to the NHL’s annual awards ceremony Wednesday evening, where the league’s biggest and brightest stars were out in full force. Henrik Lundqvist, Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin were among the hockey headliners who graced the red carpet.
But for all the glowing stars, it was one not known for his shine that made the biggest spark.
“Playing both sides of the ice is something I take a lot of pride in,” said the 25-year old Patrice Bergeron, recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given to the league’s top two-way forward. “That’s the way I learned to play hockey, and to actually win an award that’s given to the best defensive forward is something really special.”
Unless you’re from Boston, Bergeron is the best player you’ve never heard of – a guy who makes his money playing the game the right way; one who is just as happy taking a slap shot off the shin as he is tucking a wrister in the top corner in overtime. And what’s more, as evidenced by his new piece of hardware, he has perfected the art of both.
Bergeron finished the 2011-12 season with masterful two-way numbers: 22 goals and 42 assists (64 points) to go along with a +36 rating, a mere 20 penalty minutes, 67 blocked shots and an astounding 59.3 faceoff percentage.
The numbers showcase a perfect blend of offensive wit and defensive prowess – certainly a unique and rare skill set that hockey GM’s and coaches alike drool over. But for the Quebec native, it’s just second nature.
“Ever since I was probably 12 years old, I never wanted to get scored against when I was on the ice,” said the eighth-year Bruin, who entered the league at 18. “Obviously, you want to score goals when you’re young, but my coaches really helped me a lot in putting the emphasis on being the best on both sides. It really stuck in my head, and it’s something I try to do every time I’m on the ice.”
That work ethic has translated off ice as well, helping Bergeron come back from a grade-three concussion that knocked him out of hockey for an entire year back in 2007-08. After missing 79 total games due to a severe head injury, many were left questioning whether he would ever fully recover from the effects.
Amidst all the question marks, last season Bergeron hoisted the NHL’s highest honor above his head: Lord Stanley’s Cup. And now, on a night where the hockey celebrities dominated the airwaves, it was little talked about Patrice Bergeron being recognized on the big stage.
“He means a lot, to have him on the team playing every role in every situation, on and off the ice,” said Zdeno Chara, Bruins captain and recipient of last year’s James Norris Memorial Trophy. “When they called his name I had such a happy feeling, because I know how it feels, and he deserves it.”
For Bergeron, it’s just another step in the road, one paved by adversity and the ability to conquer it. Whether it be a gruesome injury or a sizzling slap-shot from the point, No. 37 is more than happy to stand in the way if it helps achieve a higher goal.
Perhaps it’s that style of game that separates him from most, and deflects the television spotlight – or perhaps it’s his modest personality. But underneath Bergeron’s soft tone at the podium, there’s a man who now knows the company he keeps is an elite fraternity, whether it’s talked about or not.
“Just looking right here, [Rod] Brind’Amour, [Pavel] Datsyuk, [Jere] Lehtinen, [Sergei] Fedorov…they’re all guys that I watched on T.V.,” said the forward, who smiled as he admired the names on the trophy. “It’s very humbling. It’s an honor, and I’m very happy.”
Story by Ian Tasso , Las Vegas Wranglers and special correspondent for Pro Hockey News
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