Shortly after his dismissal by the Canadian, Marc Bergevin shared the following letter.
Hello everyone,
Saying goodbye to an organization like the Montreal Canadiens is not easy. I want to leave the organization the same way I entered it … that is, with a lot of pride.
If there’s one word that comes to my mind right now it’s ” thank you “.
Thank you to all those who, from near and far, have made this dream come true.
Thank you to Geoff for his dedication, support and confidence throughout this adventure.
Thank you to the players, coaches, management team, recruiters, and all the hockey and administrative staff that I have worked with. Without you, I would never have been able to realize my dream.
Thank you to the media for their professionalism and your constant media coverage. I never thought, in my life, to have more visibility than our Prime Minister.
and especially…
Thank you to fans for their encouragement, passion and loyalty to the Montreal Canadiens.
The last few years have been rich in emotions and learning. You have been at the forefront of my journey at the head of the organization. I wouldn’t teach you anything by telling you that this journey was not a long quiet river and that at times we would have thought we were in a good episode of TV series. Despite the pitfalls, the organization that I led, with a lot of passion, has always recovered. For my part, every experience, good or bad, has made me a better leader.
It was in 2012 that I proudly accepted the challenge of guiding the Montreal Canadiens to their 25th Stanley Cup. Even though I’ve always said that the goal is to make the playoffs and anything could happen once in the playoffs, the real goal was to bring the Cup back to Montreal.
I know you would have loved to hear me say it at every golf tournament, but that thought has been behind every decision I’ve made since day one at the helm of the organization. The past year has brought us closer to the ultimate goal without getting our hands on the holy grail. Despite everything, I am proud of what we have accomplished as an organization. I sincerely hope that this goal will be achieved sooner rather than later.
Montreal is the city that saw my first skating strokes, but also the city where I learned to walk as the leader of the most successful team in the national league. This city and this organization will have a very important place in my heart forever.
That said and despite the fact that this epic is drawing to a close, I am proud of the legacy that I leave to the organization. Despite its record, the current edition is much better than it shows and I have no doubts that the people who take over will rise to the challenge.
It is with my head held high and with lasting memories that I am leaving my position as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens.
I wish this organization and my successor the best possible success for the future.
Thanks again.
Marc
Source: National Hockey League website