Northeast Land Specialists, LLC is a family owned and operated business focusing on affordable, residential land projects in southern New Hampshire.
Call Us (603) 860-1988Gravel Driveway Repair in Manchester, NH
While asphalt and concrete options are great, there's something unique about pulling your car into a gravel driveway. Maybe it's because they add a touch of rustic charm to your property. Or perhaps it's the fact that gravel driveways fit well in a range of settings and landscapes.
The bottom line is that gravel driveways are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking for a durable, cost-effective solution. They're resilient, versatile, eco-friendly, and relatively easy to maintain.
With time, however, it's inevitable that driveways undergo wear and tear. Gravel driveways, in particular, develop potholes, ruts, and more. These issues can create a sight for sore eyes on your property. They can also create hazards that can damage your car. One wrong step into a pothole and you could trip, fall, and become injured — and nobody wants to visit the largest hospital near Manchester, NH because they fell in a hole.
Fortunately, quality gravel repair companies like Northeast Land Specialists can breathe new life into your entryway. If you're in search of reliable, experienced gravel driveway contractors in Southern New Hampshire with full-season warranties, look no further than Northeast Land Specialists.
- Call Northeast Land Specialists for Efficient Gravel Driveway Repairs at Affordable Prices
- Gravel Driveway Repair in Manchester, NH
- Industry-Leading Gravel Driveway Repair in Manchester, NH
- Top 3 Reasons to Consider a Gravel Driveway for Your Home
- Gravel Driveway FAQs
- Efficient Gravel Driveway Repairs at Affordable Prices
Industry-Leading Gravel Driveway Repair in Manchester, NH
At Northeast Land Specialists, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier gravel driveway repair services across The Granite State. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our advanced gravel driveway repair process, which ensures your driveway remains smoother for longer. Unlike standard methods that merely fill potholes, our skilled team rebuilds your driveway from the ground up, resulting in a long-lasting, smooth, and compacted surface.
Why Choose Northeast Land Specialists?
Our specialized equipment, including the GradeMax gravel driveway grader and smooth roller vibrating compactor, coupled with our expert team, ensures a finished driveway that can withstand New Hampshire's harsh weather conditions. As a family-owned and operated business, we focus on affordable residential land projects, delivering personalized service and exceptional results.
We also offer additional clearing and land-related services, such as:
- Pad Installation
- Foundation Perimete
- Material Spreading
- More
The Northeast Land Specialists Difference
Why do so many of our clients send their friends and family members to our business when they need driveway maintenance? Ask yourself this — would you refer your family to a fast-food restaurant for a great steak or would you tell them to go to the highest rated fine dining restaurant in Manchester, NH? Simply put, Northeast Land Specialists has developed an industry-leading gravel driveway repair process that sets us apart from the competition and keeps your driveway smoother for longer.
We understand that no two gravel driveways are exactly alike, and no two clients have the same needs. That's why we offer a range of choices when it comes to gravel driveway maintenance options to choose from.
Comprehensive Gravel Driveway Repair Options from Northeast Land Specialists
Affordable Reclamation
Our most affordable option for repairing gravel driveways involves reclaiming the materials already present on your driveway or parking area. If you've recently added gravel but it has become uneven or rutted, we can grind it down, level it out, and reshape it using a custom grader. We'll then compact it with a roller for a smooth finish and add additional gravel as needed after any potholes are eliminated.
Premium Enhancement
Our premium gravel driveway repair in Manchester, NH, features a base layer of sturdy 1-1/2" crushed rock, along with a customizable top layer. This arrangement ensures optimal drainage and long-lasting performance. It is designed to support high traffic and requires very little upkeep over time. The base layer not only enhances the overall structure but also keeps the top layer securely in place for an appealing appearance.
Annual Maintenance Packages
Our yearly gravel driveway maintenance and service options provide cost-conscious ways to maintain a smooth and well-restored driveway. Effective maintenance of your driveway, parking area, and roads can help you avoid costly major repairs down the line.
Exclusive Full-Season Warranty
We take pride in our craftsmanship and offer a comprehensive full-season warranty on our services. For a fixed price, we guarantee that your driveway will be free from potholes and other surface imperfections until the onset of winter. In the unlikely event that any issues arise during the season, we will respond swiftly and effectively to resolve them at no extra cost to you. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we are committed to ensuring your driveway remains in optimal condition throughout the season.
High-Quality Gravel Driveway Material Choices
At Northeast Land Specialists, we offer an extensive selection of materials suitable for the top layer in your gravel driveway maintenance projects. One of the most popular options is our 3/4" crushed aggregate. This material showcases a striking gray hue, often accented with bluish undertones, depending on the source of the quarry. It not only enhances the visual appeal of your driveway, but also provides excellent drainage and stability.
Another excellent choice we frequently recommend is recycled asphalt. This sustainable option boasts a rich, deep brown color that adds a warm, earthy tone to your driveway. Plus, its composition makes it an environmentally friendly alternative, contributing to waste reduction while still ensuring a durable and attractive surface. Whether you prefer the classic look of crushed aggregate or the eco-friendly aspects of recycled asphalt, we have the ideal solution to meet your driveway maintenance needs.
Transforming Eyesores into Pride Points
Your driveway might seem like a straightforward, practical aspect of your property, but if it's bumpy, cracked, or draining poorly, it can become an unsightly nuisance. Even worse, poorly maintained gravel driveways can become a safety risk and a constant source of irritation. At Northeast Land Specialists, we believe that your driveway should enhance your home's curb appeal and overall functionality.
That's why we're passionate about tackling a variety of common gravel driveway woes, such as:
- Grading: Improper grading can cause water to collect, resulting in erosion and potential damage. Our specialists will evaluate your driveway and carry out necessary grading to ensure optimal drainage and a smooth driving experience.
- Potholes: Potholes are almost always an eyesore. When left untreated, they become more than a nuisance and can damage your car or even cause you to trip and fall. At Northeast Land Specialists, we fill in potholes and correct the underlying issues causing them, so you're not filled up with worry.
- Driveway Washouts: Heavy rainfall can lead to the erosion of loose gravel, resulting in unsightly ruts. To tackle drainage problems, we can employ materials such as reclaimed asphalt, which are designed to endure harsh weather conditions.
- Resurfacing: As time goes by, driveways wear down and lose their luster. Our gravel driveway company in Manchester, NH can resurface and restore your driveway's aesthetic appeal and functionality. That way, your home value doesn't plummet, and your neighbors don't get upset about the eyesore next door.
Top 3 Reasons to Consider a Gravel Driveway for Your Home
After a stressful commute on the busiest highway near Manchester, NH, there's something inherently relieving about pulling into a home with a gravel driveway. We often get questions from New Hampshire residents asking about the benefits of gravel driveways — often before their house is built and during the planning phase. If you want a driveway that is both affordable and practical, gravel might be the way to go.
Gravel driveways are easier to install and maintain than other options and offer excellent traction and drainage. They help keep your property free from puddles and water damage, as the porous nature of gravel allows rainwater to seep through. This feature not only prevents pooling but also minimizes the risk of ice forming during the colder months. Plus, the rough texture of the gravel provides better grip for vehicles, making it a safe choice, especially if you live in a rural area.
If you're on the fence about gravel driveways, keep these benefits in mind.
Maintenance and Durability
Gravel driveways are known for their resilience and minimal upkeep. Gravel is sturdy and can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions. In contrast to paved driveways that develop cracks over time, gravel driveways typically remain in good shape with minimal maintenance.
Gravel tends to be more durable because of its interlocking design. Small, angular stones fit closely together to form a stable surface. This helps to evenly distribute the weight of vehicles, which does wonders for preventing potholes and depressions. The porous quality of gravel also enables water to drain through, minimizing water damage and ice formation during winter.
Caring for a gravel driveway is also relatively straightforward and economical. You can rake it, add gravel, or if you need gravel driveway resurfacing in Manchester, NH, you can call trustworthy pros for help, like Northeast Land Specialists. When compared to the complex and costly maintenance of paved driveways, gravel presents a more low-maintenance alternative.
Customizable Options
Gravel driveways provide a wide range of customization options, making them a popular choice among homeowners. You can select from different types of gravel, colors, and textures to create a driveway that reflects your personal style. This flexibility allows you to design a driveway that enhances the overall appearance of your home.
When it comes to choosing gravel materials, there are plenty of options to consider, such as:
- Crushed Stone
- Recycled Asphalt
- River Rock
- Pea Gravel
- Decomposed Granite
- More
Each type has its own unique color, size, and texture; for example, crushed aggregate provides a more textured look, while pea gravel presents a smoother finish. With such a variety of choices, it's fun to create a customized driveway that enhances your home's curb appeal.
Eco-Friendliness
Did you know that gravel driveways are less harmful to the environment than other options? Due to their permeability, gravel driveways allow for better drainage while minimizing water runoff. Unlike paved driveways that create hard surfaces, gravel driveways allow rainwater to filter through, significantly reducing the chances of puddles and preventing water accumulation in surrounding areas. This feature also helps mitigate flooding, erosion, and the transport of pollutants to nearby waterways, making gravel driveways an eco-friendly choice. Gravel driveways also boast a lower carbon footprint than other driveways. The process of producing and installing gravel requires less energy and fewer resources compared to that of paved driveways.
Gravel Driveway FAQs
At Northeast Land Specialists, we're experts in all types of gravel driveway repairs. Customers choose us because of our unwavering commitment to reliability, punctuality, and hard work. We recognize the importance of a well-maintained driveway and know how stressful it can be to have a driveway that's barely suitable for use.
Our goal is to relieve that stress and provide peace of mind with efficient, affordable repair options. When you choose us, you can rest easy knowing you're in for a hassle-free experience built on expertise and open communication. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about our gravel driveway repair services in Manchester, NH.
Before we start a project, our gravel driveway contractors in cityname, NH, will ask several questions to better understand the scope of your project. Some of those questions may include:
- Basic Details: Some of the questions we ask could center around the length and steepness of your driveway, the type of material it's made of (like asphalt, gravel, etc.), and the areas designated for parking. We might also ask for info specific to your home, like whether or not your driveway is shared with a neighbor.
- Water Runoff: Does your gravel driveway have any drainage issues? Are they minor or major? We inspect your current drainage setup to ensure that any water runoff issues are solved. That way, your driveway will have a long lifespan and major maintenance issues will be kept to a minimum.
- Your Vision: When it's all said and done, what goals would you like to accomplish with your project? Do you lean more towards functionality—like effective water management and a smooth surface—or aesthetics, like material finishes? Northeast Land Specialists provides a range of gravel driveway repair options to meet your goals and exceed your expectations.
When choosing gravel for your driveway, consider factors like appearance, durability, and climate. The right gravel can make your driveway eye-catching and helps ensure it has a longer lifespan. Size and shape are important considerations when it comes to choosing gravel. Larger, angular stones, like crushed stone, provide stability and durability by interlocking to form a solid surface for vehicles. In contrast, smaller options like pea gravel offer a smoother appearance but may shift over time.
Color and texture also matter. Gravel comes in a variety of colors, from earthy tones to vibrant shades. Select a hue that complements your home or surroundings. The texture—smooth or rough—can significantly impact the overall look of your driveway
Gravel driveway restoration is often necessary after severe weather conditions, such as hail, snow, ice, or heavy rain, negatively impact your driveway. While a single storm usually does not cause significant damage, gravel driveways can struggle to withstand constant rainfall or hail over time. As a result, even the most durable gravel driveways will require occasional repairs and maintenance. At Northeast Land Specialists, our highly-trained experts can come to your home and inspect your driveway to see if resurfacing or other repairs are needed.
Efficient Gravel Driveway Repairs at Affordable Prices
At Northeast Land Specialists, we're experts in all types of gravel driveway repairs. Customers choose us because of our unwavering commitment to reliability, punctuality, and hard work. We recognize the importance of a well-maintained driveway and know how stressful it can be to have a driveway that's barely suitable for use.
Our goal is to relieve that stress and provide peace of mind with efficient, affordable repair options. When you choose us, you can rest easy knowing you're in for a hassle-free experience built on expertise and open communication. Contact our office today to learn more about to schedule your initial consultation or to learn more about our gravel driveway repair services in Manchester, NH.
Contact Us
gravel driveway maintenance for Allyna Ward
gravel driveway repair services for Joseph Colella
gravel driveway company for David Ohlemacher
gravel driveway maintenance for RODD RULAND
gravel driveway repair services for Robin Sheriff
gravel driveway company for Jessica Hull
gravel driveway maintenance for Dawn Brindley
gravel driveway repair services for Jeff Kerr
Latest News in Manchester, NH
This NH city had the country's hottest housing market in January. Here's where
Margie Cullenhttps://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2025/02/12/new-hampshire-real-estate-manchester/78408348007/
Manchester, New Hampshire has the hottest housing market in America, according to Realtor.com’s January 2025 report.A combination of ongoing ...
Manchester, New Hampshire has the hottest housing market in America, according to Realtor.com’s January 2025 report.
A combination of ongoing high demand and low inventory has kept “market pace snappy,” said Realtor.com senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones, cementing Manchester's status as the metro with the country’s hottest housing market.
New Hampshire's largest city, Manchester beat out another Granite State city as well as top markets in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Why is Manchester the No. 1 housing market?
According to Realtor.com, Manchester’s proximity to Boston (55 miles away), good school system, and thriving local economy has long kept the city a buyer favorite. It was also the No. 1 in October in 2024 and Zillow named it the top housing market of 2024.
Buyers also flock to the Granite State for its lack of sales and income taxes.
Houses on the market in Manchester were unsold for an average of 46 days, well under the national median of 73 days. The median list price in Manchester in January was $579,000, an increase of 4% from December.
New England cities dominate the top 10 list
In addition to Manchester, five other cities in New England made the top 10 hottest markets list.
“The Midwest and Northeast have reigned supreme as homes to most of the country’s hottest markets since mid-2022, when mortgage rates picked up steam,” says Jones.
Hartford, Conn. took second place, while Norwich, Conn. and Worcester, Mass. tied for fourth.
Concord, NH was sixth, and Providence, RI was ninth.
Springfield, Mass., which had been the country’s hottest market in November of 2024, was No. 13 in January. Boston, which was not represented on December’s top 20 list, was the No. 15 hottest housing market in January.
Blue Jays release first NH Fisher Cats roster of 2025
Manchester Ink Linkhttps://manchester.inklink.news/blue-jays-release-first-nh-fisher-cats-roster-of-2025/
Opening Day set for April 4 at Northeast Delta Dental StadiumMANCHESTER, NH – On Wednesday, April 2, the Toronto Blue Jays announced the initial New Hampshire Fisher Cats roster for the 2025 season [see below]. New Hampshire’s preliminary roster features 23 Toronto farmhands that have logged time with the Fisher Cats prior to 2025 and eight newcomers, as well as six members of the Blue Jays’ Top 30 prospects (MLB Pipeline)....
Opening Day set for April 4 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium
MANCHESTER, NH – On Wednesday, April 2, the Toronto Blue Jays announced the initial New Hampshire Fisher Cats roster for the 2025 season [see below]. New Hampshire’s preliminary roster features 23 Toronto farmhands that have logged time with the Fisher Cats prior to 2025 and eight newcomers, as well as six members of the Blue Jays’ Top 30 prospects (MLB Pipeline).
Ticket link for April 4 Opening Day – Fisher Cats v Binghamton Rumble Ponies
Returning Cats in 2025 are highlighted by INF Charles McAdoo (No. 14), OF RJ Schreck (No. 21), RHP Ryan Jennings (No. 22) and OF Dasan Brown (No. 28), while New Hampshire welcomes newcomers OF Jace Bohrofen (No. 25) and INF Peyton Williams (No. 29).
Bohrofen and Williams helped steer High-A Vancouver back to the Northwest League finals for the club’s third-consecutive visit in 2024. Bohrofen led the Canadians in total bases (177), doubles (27), home runs (14), RBIs (57), and walks (60), while Williams slashed .289/.362/.476 with an .838 OPS in 77 games in Vancouver last season behind the team’s third-most doubles (20) and second-most runs driven in (50).
12 New Hampshire hurlers return to Manchester in 2025, including starters RHP Devereaux Harrison, RHP Rafael Sanchez, RHP Anders Tolhurst and RHP CJ Van Eyk. Bullpen arms slated to rejoin the Fisher Cats include RHP Ryan Boyer, LHP Jimmy Burnette, RHP Michael Dominguez, RHP Hunter Gregory, RHP Ryan Jennings, RHP Conor Larkin, RHP Jonathan Lavallee and RHP Geison Urbaez.
Right-handers Van Eyk and Dominguez both were once named the Eastern League’s Pitcher of the Week in 2024. Van Eyk allowed one hit in five scoreless innings on May 10 against the Harrisburg Senators behind 64 pitches (43 strikes) and struck out six to earn league honors, while Dominguez fired six hitless/scoreless innings on May 30 in a 6-1 win in Akron with five strikeouts. Harrison led the Fisher Cats in starts (26) and strikeouts (111) in 2024, while Gregory finished with the third-most strikeouts (91) in New Hampshire in 2024 in a team-high 43 appearances.
Two Fisher Cats pitchers are ready for their Double-A debuts in 2025: RHP Alex Amalfi and RHP Ryan Watson. RHP Bobby Milacki, who made his Double-A debut in June 2023, joins the Fisher Cats after signing a minor league concert with Toronto in December 2024.
Amalfi finished behind Sanchez (92) with the second-most strikeouts in Vancouver last season (87) and finished with a 3-1 record in 36 appearances out of the Canadians’ bullpen. After he began the 2024 season on staff with the Frontier League’s Florence Y’alls, Watson struck out 17 batters in 16 1/3 innings in three starts before he signed with Toronto on May 31. Watson punched out 28 batters and walked three in five games – four starts – before he ended 2024 in Vancouver.
The Fisher Cats’ preliminary roster includes 11 returners: C Robert Brooks, INF Alex De Jesus, INF Charles McAdoo, INF Ryan McCarty, INF Eddinson Paulino, INF Josh Rivera, OF Dasan Brown, OF Devonte Brown, OF Gabriel Martinez, OF Yohendrick Piñango and OF RJ Schreck. Of the 11 returning position players, five were acquired by Toronto prior to last summer’s trade deadline (McAdoo (PIT), Paulino (BOS), Rivera (CHC), Piñango (CHC), Schreck (SEA)).
In 99 games in 2024, De Jesus finished with the third-most New Hampshire doubles (19) and the second-most runs batted in (45). The sole return piece in the Justin Turner/Seattle trade, Schreck made quick work in Double-A New Hampshire with five home runs and eight doubles in 29 games and drove in 18 runs behind a .255/.377/.521 slash.
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats open the 2025 season on Friday, April 4 at Delta Dental Stadium against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Double-A affiliates of the New York Mets. Fans can purchase 2025 multi-game memberships and single-game tickets at nhfishercats.com, via email at info@nhfishercats.com, by phone at (603) 641-2005, and in-person at the Delta Dental Stadium box office on 1 Line Drive in Manchester.
About the New Hampshire Fisher Cats - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play their games at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Over 160 former Fisher Cats have reached the Major League level. The Fisher Cats have raised millions of dollars for various charities through the Fisher Cats Foundation and continuously strive to improve the quality of life for Granite State residents. The organization has been recognized as New Hampshire Business Review’s “Best Sporting Event to Take Clients toâ€, Parenting New Hampshire Magazine’s “New Hampshire’s Favorite Sporting Event for Familiesâ€, and New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best New Hampshire Sports Teamâ€. For more information on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, please visit nhfishercats.com, call (603) 641-2005, or contact Chris Jared via email at cjared@nhfishercats.com.
Subscribe to receive your free daily eNews + a note from the Ink Link publisher.
We don’t spam!
Manchester, N.H., school district bracing for proposed budget cuts
Amanda Gokeehttps://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/01/metro/manchester-nh-mayor-school-budget-cuts-proposed/
Some school officials are warning Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais’ proposed $9.5 million in cuts to the city’s school budget could lead to layoffs, the reduction of services, or even school closures.Ruais announced last week that his $437 million budget would allocate $200.6 million to city spending and $236.5 million to the school district.The school district, which includes 11,865 students, had requested a budget of ...
Some school officials are warning Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais’ proposed $9.5 million in cuts to the city’s school budget could lead to layoffs, the reduction of services, or even school closures.
Ruais announced last week that his $437 million budget would allocate $200.6 million to city spending and $236.5 million to the school district.
The school district, which includes 11,865 students, had requested a budget of $246 million in February.
“This is a balanced approach,” Ruais said in a statement about the proposed cuts, noting that the school district received a $1 million increase last year and his proposal would allocate an additional $2 million this year from the baseline when he took office in 2024.
In addition, Ruais pointed to $6.5 million the school district received in one type of education funding from the state called adequacy aid. The school budget has grown in recent years, from $190 million in fiscal year 2023 to $226.9 million in fiscal year 2024, according to the district’s budget documents. In 2025, the budget was $234.5 million.
Get N.H. Morning Report
A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox.
Enter Email
Manchester’s overall budget, including city expenses, has been growing, too, from $357 million in 2023 to $370 million in 2024 up to $398 million in 2025, according to the city.
Manchester has a tax cap limiting how much property tax revenues can be increased from one year to the next. For this budget, the maximum increase was 4.27 percent, but Ruais’ budget only results in a 1.94 percent increase, a move he celebrated.
“It meets the needs of our city, while also protecting taxpayers,” Ruais said about the overall budget proposal.
But James O’Connell, vice chair of the Manchester Board of School Committee said the mayor’s proposal would be detrimental to students and that the $2 million increase provided to the schools doesn’t keep pace with rising costs.
“I’m very upset at that decision because this is going to have a significant impact on our students and our services,” he said. “At a minimum, we’re going to be losing positions through attrition and not hiring.”
O’Connell said the school district might also need to reduce the workforce through layoffs, resulting in bigger class sizes. That would erase progress the district has made in recent years to shrink class sizes, according to O’Connell, who credited smaller class sizes with improving test scores.
He is also anticipating the elimination of some services, such as having social workers at school. He said losing those services would especially impact the most vulnerable students dealing with homelessness or the opioid crisis in addition to refugee and immigrant students.
“What I worry about is our most vulnerable population,” he said. “The real problem is going to be going back to class sizes of 30 or 35 kids in a class. It becomes warehousing of students, not educating.”
The school district is also weighing consolidating its high schools, and O’Connell said the funding cut could precipitate the decision to close one of the high schools.
“It is unconscionable to balance the city’s budget by shifting dollars from schools to city services,” he said, noting that Ruais’ budget includes $7 million to increase pay for city workers.
Ruais said those funds would bring city workers up to a market rate.
Meanwhile, the school district is scrambling to figure out how to cut more money from its budget in accordance with the mayor’s proposal.
Manchester Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Chmiel said the reduction creates “real and immediate challenges to our collective efforts to build on the progress we have made in student outcomes.”
She said the district is now examining every possible option to meet the new funding target, while minimizing the impact on students.
“Our goal now is to adjust as best we can with significantly fewer resources to protect that progress and continue making strides our families want for their children,” she said.
O’Connell said the administration will present some options for meeting the mayor’s budget during an April meeting of the Board of School Committee.
The budget is not yet finalized, and there is still a process where changes can be made. There will be at least one public hearing, and the Board of Aldermen will have an opportunity to review the budget and make changes to it, according to the city’s website.
Bruins’ legend Bergeron helps mark 5th anniversary of NH sports betting
Bill Gilmanhttps://manchester.inklink.news/bruins-legend-bergeron-helps-mark-5th-anniversary-of-nh-sports-betting/
NASHUA, NH — Boston Bruins’ legend Patrice Bergeron visited The Nash Casino Thursday evening to help the New Hampshire Lottery and Draft Kings Sportsbook mark the 5th anniversary of sports betting in the Granite State.Bergeron participated in a Q&A session, moderated by New England sports media personality Mike “Mutt” Mutnansky, fielding a variety of questions about his career and plans for the future.There was one question at the forefront of everyone’s mind.“Are ...
NASHUA, NH — Boston Bruins’ legend Patrice Bergeron visited The Nash Casino Thursday evening to help the New Hampshire Lottery and Draft Kings Sportsbook mark the 5th anniversary of sports betting in the Granite State.
Bergeron participated in a Q&A session, moderated by New England sports media personality Mike “Mutt” Mutnansky, fielding a variety of questions about his career and plans for the future.
There was one question at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
“Are you going to come out of retirement?” shouted one fan, moments after the future Hall of Famer was introduced, triggering boisterous applause from the crowd and a sheepish smile from Bergeron.
“I would say that the odds of me coming back to play are slim and none,” he replied. Since retiring in 2023, Bergeron said he has been happy to be focusing on spending time with his family.
Which isn’t to say the three-time All-Star and six-time Selke Award winner (top defensive forward) isn’t skating whenever he gets the chance. In fact, earlier on Thursday, Bergeron laced up the skates at Conway Arena for another New Hampshire Lottery promotion.
Bergeron participated in a skills competition with five New Hampshire high school players. The lucky teens, chosen at random to take part in the event, were Frank Tessier of Memorial, Cameron Roberge of Memorial, Dillon Boucher of Berlin High, Lucas Arlen of John Stark Regional and Ethan Peloso of Windham High.
The event was put together to celebrate the NH Lottery’s commitment to public education. Since 1964, the Lottery has contributed more than $2.8 billion to New Hampshire public schools. Since 2019, sports betting has generated $130 million for the schools.
To mark the occasion, each player participating in the skills competition was awarded $1,000 by the NH Lottery, for their respective school. With two players participating, Manchester Memorial will receive $2,000.
“What an incredible celebration and opportunity for these high school players to get on the ice with a player, and person, like Patrice,” said Charlie McIntyre, executive director of New Hampshire Lottery. “We had so much fun watching these students compete against one of the best ever to do it. Even more fun is the fact that we were able to award $1,000 to each player’s school.”
Following the event at Conway, Bergeron headed across town to The Nash Casino, where he spent close to an hour taking questions from Mutnansky and fans, several of whom sported familiar “No. 37” Bruins jerseys.
Many of the questions focused on the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup championship season and the final series, which Boston won, 4-3, over Vancouver.
“The 2011 finals, for me, was one of the most physical series I’ve ever seen,” he recalled. “There was a lot of hatred, a lot of big hits that got people fired up.”
Bergeron talked about bringing the Stanley Cup back to his hometown of L’Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec. During his “day with the Cup” he visited a local hospital and his old high school, as well as the Town Center, where he posed for pictures with fans.
Bergeron didn’t hesitate when asked which of his teammates partied and celebrated the championship a bit too … enthusiastically.
“It was Marchand, he knows it,” he said with a chuckle. “He was celebrating for about two weeks and we had to tell him, ‘it’s time to go home.’”
Marchand and Bergeron, despite their polar opposite personalities, developed amazing chemistry on the ice and a deep friendship off.
Bergeron was known for his consistent effort and gentlemanly behavior. Marchand was an agitator, who delighted in provoking opponents and knocking them off their game, either physically or verbally.
“Marchie is the guy you love to have on your team and you live to hate him if he’s not,” said Bergeron.
For many years, the two played side-by-side, anchoring what came to be known as “The Perfection Line” with David Kreci.
Bergeron’s Hall of Fame credentials are irrefutable. He finished his 19-year NHL career with 427 goals and 613 assists. He led the Bruins to three Stanley Cup Finals. Along with his Stanley Cup title, he won two Olympic gold medals, World Championship gold medal, World Cup of Hockey gold medal and World Juniors gold medal while skating for Team Canada.
These days, the championships he vies for are as coach of his son’s Boston-area youth hockey team.
Could he see a day when he would return to the NHL on a coaching capacity? Bergeron, just 39, is keeping all his options open.
“It’s something that we’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” he said.
Subscribe to receive your free daily eNews + a note from the Ink Link publisher.
We don’t spam!
Disclaimer:
