WORCESTER, Mass. - What started off as a normal practice for the children participating in the Ice Works Elite Hockey Training program at the Buffone Skating Arena in Worcester quickly turned bittersweet when many players began to learn Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron is hanging up his skates.

What You Need To Know

  • Bruins center Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement Tuesday morning

  • Bergeron was drafted by the Bruins in 2003 and played all 19 seasons of his NHL career with the team

  • Bergeron won the Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Bruins, the teams first since 1972

  • Bergeron scored over 1000 points with the Bruins and also finished with six Selke Trophy awards

Bergeron announced his decision to retire Tuesday morning.

"It was shocking," Cameron Barstow said. "He's a great player, but I think it's good for him and his family and he's Bergeron, so he's the best."

"It's kind of upsetting," Connor Dozois said. "He was one of my favorite players growing up. Probably my favorite player actually. He was the heart and soul of the team after Chara left so it's kind of upsetting that he left."

Bergeron was drafted by the Bruins in 2003 and played all 19 seasons of his NHL career with the team. He also helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011, the team's first since 1972.

His impact has certainly been felt by several of the young hockey players we spoke to on Tuesday.

"He kind of like taught me how to be a better player on and off the ice," Alex Haggerty said. "Like discipline and being a captain and a leader out there."

"It's pretty upsetting because he was that role model to me," Colby Payne said. "He taught me how to be a two-way forward because he won so many Selke awards."

For these young players, it will be a new experience next season to watch their home team play without number 37 on the ice.

"I feel like Pastrnak and Marchand are gonna lead the team," said Cameron Barstow. "And they're never gonna forget him. His legacy was huge."

"Chara was a great leader but Bergeron has always been there," said Ice Works owner Brian Payne. "I'm sure Marchand and those guys will step up and lead the way, but just losing a tremendous player and a great leader in the locker room which is kind of pretty sad, but his time has come. Hopefully he can enjoy retirement with his family.I know he has some kids as well."

Bergeron will retire with over 1000 points scored during his career with the Bruins. He will also leave the NHL as a 6-time Selke Trophy winner, which is the most all-time by a single player.