BUFFALO, N.Y. — Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron showed the top-level class he’s always been known for when he checked in on the health of an opposing player’s wife prior to a faceoff in a game against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
At first glance, the now viral moment appeared as if Bergeron was complimenting Buffalo forward Tage Thompson on an impressive shorthanded goal that he had scored, but Boston’s veteran leader had a concern of greater importance on his mind.
Bergeron quickly asked Thompson how his wife, Rachel, was doing after she underwent surgery in 2019 to have a cancerous mass removed from her leg, The Buffalo News reported.
In speaking with the news outlet, Thompson said, “Obviously, he didn’t have to say anything. He kind of went out of his way to check on her and ask how she’s doing. It’s just the kind of guy he is. He’s just a genuine guy, cares about other people.”
Subsequent screenings have shown that Thompson’s wife remains cancer free.
The Bruins went on to defeat the Sabres behind two goals from Bergeron.
Bergeron, who was just 19 years of age at the time, was a teammate of Thompson’s father, Brent, on the Providence Bruins back in 2004-05.
Both Bergeron and Thompson are off to scorching starts this season. In 16 games, Bergeron has scored eight goals and tallied seven assists. Thompson has netted 11 goals and notched eight helpers.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW