“It’s never a good time to leave the NHL.” David Krejci says goodbye to Boston
Aug 17, 2023 10:30 UTC Audio Version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The Czech striker, following Patrice Bergeron, poignantly parted ways with the team of his life. But he continues burning with the idea of playing for the national team.
“My body is not ready to play the whole season, especially at such a level and speed as in the NHL,” Boston center forward David Kreichi announced the end of his NHL career and held an impromptu press conference, connecting journalists through an online connection from home. – I just felt that I gave all my strength and left everything on the ice. I know that if I go back to the NHL, I definitely won’t be the player that I was last year.”
What will happen to Boston now:
Life without legends. “Boston” after a historic season suffered heavy losses
Krayci’s first attempt to say goodbye to the NHL was unsuccessful. In the summer of 2021, he moved to his native Czech league, from where he planned to smoothly retire from hockey. A year later, a man with a gray beard returned to Boston, played in seven dozen games and scored just under 60 points.
“The decision to leave was made when my injuries began to show at the end of the season, but I didn’t want to rush it,” recalls the 37-year-old striker. “I wanted to take the time to really think it through, because you don’t have to make a decision when your emotions are running high.”
In the end, I realized that there is no right time to leave the NHL. I felt that the time had come. I knew my body couldn’t handle 82 games anymore. I have things I would have to do, including surgery. At my age, I’m not ready for that.”
At the same time, Kreychi still cannot completely say goodbye to his favorite game. “This season the World Championship takes place in Prague, in my hometown. I never played there. So, I think, that thought is in my head, shares the 37-year-old hockey player. – I know for sure that I will celebrate Christmas with my family here in the United States. And if sometime after Christmas it seems to me that I can play a couple of months somewhere in Europe, prepare for the World Cup, spend it in two weeks and go home… That’s definitely what I’m thinking about.
All 16 years in the NHL Krejci spent in the shadow of the main star of “Boston” – Patrice Bergeron. “I knew I could never get close to what he stood for, but seeing him and seeing his hard work made me a better player,” David says. “I tried to keep up with Berge, trying to be as efficient as him, or trying to get to the highest level possible. It wasn’t just about the ice, but also about the professionalism that sets him apart off it. I can’t say that he has ever been jealous. I don’t think he was jealous of me either. We complement each other. I tried to be the best version of myself, he tried to be the best version of himself, and we pushed each other to get better, but in a healthy way.”
How Patrice played and left:
The legend is gone. The Canadian who made NHL history ended a magnificent career at the age of 38
“Honestly, right now I don’t want to do anything,” Kreychi laughed at the beginning of the conversation. But in general I like to play golf. I didn’t play as much as I would like, this summer for some reason was very busy. But once the kids start school, I’ll have more time, I’ll try to be a better person. I also like to play tennis. I’ve been playing since I was a kid, so I’m going to start doing it again. There are a lot of leagues here (in South Carolina. – Approx. “Championship”), so I will try to join them. These are not very competitive tournaments, but you still play, this is the most important thing.
The pension seems to be starting to take me, – jokes David. “And I’m trying to look at my whole career, trying to realize how difficult it was to achieve everything that I’ve achieved. I try to go to really memorable places and appreciate all these little things and not think about last season when we got knocked out in the first round. I’m very proud to have played 1,000 games with the Bruins. You need luck, you need to be healthy, that’s all it takes to make 1000 matches.
What happened to Boston this season:
Miracles in the NHL playoffs! The debutant boldly threw out the champion and “Florida” – the main favorite!
The Bruins always believed in me, always invited me back, offered me contracts, and I can’t thank them enough that I was able to come back and play 1,000 games in a franchise.
I just wanted to play my best to represent myself, my family, Boston in the best way possible. And I think for the most part I did.”
