How Patrice Bergeron influenced Tage Thompson's unlikely path to NHL stardom
As a child, Tage Thompson was determined to become a goaltender. That dream changed during the 2004–05 NHL lockout while his father Brent was playing in Providence, Rhode Island.
With Patrice Bergeron also spending time there, Brent encouraged him to take shots against young Tage in casual street sessions.
Sabres' Tage Thompson Notches Seventh Career Hat Trick vs. Bruins
Patrice Bergeron's influence during the lockout
The outcome was one-sided. Bergeron's skill as a shooter made it clear to Thompson that goaltending would not be his future. Though discouraging in the moment, this experience ultimately set him on a different course, and abandoning the idea of playing in net. Thompson shifted his focus to developing as a forward.
And an adjustment that became the foundation of his professional career.
Meeting Patrice Bergeron years later in the NHL
Years later, when Thompson reached the NHL, he found himself competing directly against Bergeron. Facing a player who unknowingly altered his hockey path was a full-circle moment. Instead of being defined by that early setback. Thompson stood across the ice as a peer and a proven goal scorer in his own right.
The meeting was more than just symbolic, as it gave Thompson an appreciation for the impact Bergeron had on him, not only as a player.
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But also as a professional who carried himself with respect and humility.
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Carrying the lesson into Patrice Bergeron's own career
Thompson's respect for Bergeron grew as he experienced firsthand. This is how the Bruins captain treated opponents and fellow players, Bergeron's kindness and professionalism left a lasting impression. This is showing Thompson that character could be just as meaningful as talent in shaping a legacy.
As Thompson's own career developed in Buffalo, he embraced those lessons, beyond his offensive success.
He began striving to represent himself in the same respectful and grounded way, Bergeron's influence extended far beyond that childhood street game. It provided a model for leadership that Thompson aims to bring into his own career.
Today, Thompson is recognized as one of the NHL's top scoring forwards. But he credits an unlikely source for setting him on that trajectory, Patrice Bergeron's talent may have crushed his early dream. But his professionalism inspired the mindset that continues to guide Thompson's career.
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