The Marc Bergevin era in Montreal has come to an end. Just half a season removed from a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final, the Habs announced that Bergevin, along with assistant GM Trevor Timmins and Senior Vice President of Affairs and Communications Paul Wilson, had been relieved of their duties.

Terminations are always full of emotion, whether it’s sadness, relief, anger, or anything in between. For Bergevin, the news left him feeling gratitude towards all those that supported him along the way. In a lengthy statement posted on NHL.com, Bergevin lists all the reasons why he’s leaving his post feeling thankful.

Statement via NHL.com:

 

Hello to all,

Saying farewell to an organization like the Montreal Canadiens is not an easy thing to do. I want to leave the organization in the same way I came in: with a lot of pride.

If there is one word that comes to mind right now, it is "thanks."

Thanks to everyone who, in one way or another, has helped make this dream come true

Thanks to Geoff for his dedication, support and trust throughout this journey.

Thanks to the players, the coaches, the management team, the scouts and all the hockey and administrative staff I worked with. Without you, I would never have been able to realize my dream.

Thanks to the media for their professionalism and coverage. I would never have thought, in my life, that I would be getting more visibility than the Premier.

Especially...

Thanks to the fans for their support, passion, and loyalty to the Montreal Canadiens.

The last years have been high in both emotions and learnings. You have witnessed my journey leading the organization. You won't be surprised to hear me say it has not been a long, quiet river, and at times, it felt like we were living in a TV show. Despite the challenges, the organization I led with passion always fought back. For me, each experience, good or bad, made me a better leader.

It was in 2012 that I accepted, with pride, the challenge of leading the Montreal Canadiens towards a 25th Stanley Cup. Even if I always said that the goal was to make the playoffs and that everything was possible once there, the real objective was always to bring the Cup to Montreal.

I know you would have liked to hear me say that at each golf tournament at the start of the season, but this thought was behind every decision I made since my first day at the head of this organization. Last year allowed us to get closer to the ultimate objective but we fell short of hoisting the Holy Grail. Despite this, I am proud of what we achieved as an organization. I sincerely hope this objective will be achieved sooner than later.

Montreal is the city where I took my first skating strides and it's also the city where I learned to lead the NHL's winningest franchise. This city and this organization will always have a special place in my heart.

That said, and despite the fact that this journey is coming to an end, I am proud of the legacy I'm leaving within the organization. The current team is much better than the results show, and I am convinced that my successors will be able to rise to the challenge.

It is with my head high and with unforgettable memories that I am leaving my role as General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens.

I wish this organization and my successor all the best for the future.

Thanks again,

 

Marc

 

Bergevin’s firing came with mixed reviews amongst Montreal fans. Some were in disbelief that the organization could fire him after a Stanley Cup Final appearance. Others believed that this termination was long overdue.

Bergevin’s classy statement was received warmly by most Habs fans.  Regardless of how fans felt about the firing, nobody can say Bergevin didn’t give it his all.

 

 

(H/T NHL.com)