The Boston Bruins have officially retired Zdeno Chara’s jersey number 33, honoring him as one of the franchise’s greatest players. This momentous occasion marks Chara as the 18th player in team history to have his number retired. The ceremony reflects the impact Chara made during his time with the Bruins.
Chara’s Achievements and Career Highlights
Chara’s illustrious career includes induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November. He rejoined the Bruins organization as a hockey operations advisor and mentor, emphasizing his ongoing influence in the sport.
- Games Played: Chara holds the NHL record for games played by a defenseman at 1,680.
- Cumulative Games with Bruins: Played 1,023 games in Boston.
- Captaincy: Served as Bruins’ captain for 14 seasons.
- Awards: Won the Norris Trophy in 2009 as the NHL’s best defenseman.
- Points Scored: Accumulated 481 points (148 goals, 333 assists) with the Bruins.
- Total Career Points: Recorded 680 points (209 goals, 471 assists) across four teams.
Chara’s Leadership and Legacy
Chara joined the Bruins as a free agent on July 1, 2006. His signing marked a turning point for the franchise, helping restore its legacy. Hall of Famer Ray Bourque noted that Chara helped the team regain its former glory.
Under Chara’s leadership, the Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Final three times, winning the championship in 2011. His resilience was especially highlighted during the 2019 finals when he played with severe injuries, demonstrating remarkable toughness that inspired his teammates.
Tributes from Teammates
- Patrice Bergeron praised Chara’s work ethic and discipline, stating, “He earned every ounce of it.”
- Charlie McAvoy recalled the electric atmosphere during a critical game, reflecting on Chara’s indomitable spirit.
- David Pastrnak remarked, “There was no other way than to follow him,” emphasizing Chara’s role as a leader.
Chara’s number retirement not only celebrates his past achievements but also cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history. His journey and contributions will continue to resonate within the Bruins community for years to come.
