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Danny Briere Will Retire: It’s About More Than Stats

By Patrick Helper

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There are not too many players that have played for five different NHL teams, but Danny Briere did. After a very successful career the 37-year-old is set to retire later this summer. Putting a final stamp on a great career. Danny Briere will be remembered as Mr. Flyer in many circles. In many ways Briere opened the door for players like Patrick Kane and Martin St. Louis. Briere showed NHL teams that a small talented forward is a great asset to have on the roster. The report of Briere’s retirement came from Alain Sanscartier of 94.5 FM in Ottawa.

I’m not one to label players, but it seems so many people are. Danny Briere has been dubbed Mr. Playoff, and in many ways it is deserving. Briere tallied 72 of his 116 playoff

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points while with the Flyers, while nine of his 13 game-winning playoff goals were scored for a case of TastyKake. Even after turning in 49 points in the 2011-12 season – down 19 points from the year before – the 5-foot-9, 174-pound forward found a way to flip the switch come playoff time, depositing eight goals with five assists in 11 games.” It’s nearly imposable to argue that Briere was able to go to a completely different level during the NHL Playoffs, and that may be the main reason for his 17 year NHL career.

As a Flyer Briere was a big part of the Philadelphia community. There are stories of his kindness and willingness to give back all over the internet. But, maybe the most touching is the one about Kaylin Kegel. Kaylin is a young girl who has Autism; she also suffers from rare muscular disease. In the article I found it way made clear that Kaylin found a special connection with Flyers hockey and Danny Briere didn’t disappoint.

It takes a rear talent and a special kind of able to connect with a community, and from all account Danny Briere did that. Hockey stats aside and they are impressive (Regular season, 973 GP, 696 Points. Playoffs, 124 GP, 116 points) Briere should be remembered for more than his on ice play.

"Danny Briere came into sight just outside the dressing room doors. He had already showered up and dressed in a dapper suit. When his eyes fell on Kaylin, you would have thought he’d known her his entire life. Danny dropped down and opened his arms, scooped Kaylin up and told her how beautiful she is.Kaylin was in shock; the sheer storm of happiness and excitement had rendered her speechless. All she could do was hug Danny back, and, of course, grow the biggest smile I have ever seen a child wear.  [Oragne and Black Pack]"

For some players he game is about money and their own personal achievements. On the flip side for a good number of NHL players they take their good fortune and use it to help the community that comes to love them. While Danny Briere is calling his hockey career over I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a NHL front office continuing to be a part of the community.

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