How do you honor a player who became bigger than the game itself? The Boston Bruins are set to do just that by retiring former captain Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 jersey on January 15. Chara, who anchored Boston’s defense from 2006 to 2020. Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs puts it best: “There will never be another Zdeno Chara. From his skill, size and physical dominance on the ice, to his leadership in the locker room and impact on the Boston community, ‘Zee’ is a legend of the game.” Once the announcement was made, Chara shared a heartfelt message that touched fans in the city and beyond.

Recently, the Bruins shared Chara’s words on X: “ Dear Boston Bruins Family, It is truly beyond words to see my jersey, #33, raised to the rafters at TD Garden. This honor is greater than anything I could have imagined when I first came to Boston. To the Bruins organization — thank you for letting me lead this team and believing in me. To all of my teammates past and present — this moment belongs to you as well. To Bruins fans — you are the best.”

“Thank you for your cheers and support and for making Boston feel like home from the very first day. Your energy and passion pushed me in every game, and I will embrace and carry that feeling with me forever. To my family — you made everything possible. This moment is not just mine — it belongs to all of us. Forever grateful. Your #33 🙏 Zdeno Chara.”

With this, Chara joins an elite company of players who’ve had their numbers retired by Boston such as, Rick Middleton (6), Cam Neely (8), Terry O’Reilly (24), Ray Bourque (77), Phil Esposito (7), Johnny Bucyk (9), Bobby Orr (4), Milt Schmidt (15), Eddie Shore (2), Aubrey “Dit” Clapper (5), and Lionel Hitchman (3).

Chara captained the Bruins to their 2011 Stanley Cup triumph — one of the high points during his 14-year tenure in Boston. This Slovakian defenseman also won the Norris Trophy in 2009 as the NHL’s best defenseman and helped the team reach the finals in 2013 and 2019. Highlighting his importance to the organization, the Bruins captioned the post: “A moment for everyone to cherish.” Chara originally announced his retirement from the NHL in September 2022 after 24 seasons, citing the desire to spend more time with his family as the main reason.

The constant travel and time away had become overwhelming, and he decided it was the right moment to step away. Reflecting on his decision, Chara said, “My decision was based on family. Listen, you tell me I cannot do something, I’ll make sure I’ll do it. Doesn’t matter the age. It’s not that. It’s time to be home. There’s a time for everything. I had my share of battles and all these things. It’s time to be home with my family.” Chara’s retirement marked the end of a legendary NHL career, but his impact on the Bruins and the sport will be remembered for generations.

Chara’s legendary Boston Bruins career

Standing at 6-foot-9, Slovak defenseman Zdeno Chara joined the Boston Bruins in 2006, but what made him so unforgettable? Could it be his 14 years as team captain, the second-longest in Bruins history after Ray Bourque? Or maybe it was his incredible stats: over 1,000 games, 148 goals, 333 assists, and leading the team to 11 playoff appearances, including a Stanley Cup win in 2011.

But really, it was all about the way he led the team. His powerful slap shot, domineering height and imposing physique were all oft mentioned aspects of his game, along with the numbers. But behind those tangible qualities lay those intangible ones. Like the way he mentored and guided younger players during his latter years in Boston. Or the way he wasn’t a talkative guy, but commanded the locker room’s attention when he did have something to say.

He left Boston in 2020, after declining the offer to take up a reduced role. He continued his NHL journey with the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators before finally retiring in 2022. How fitting that he signed a one-day contract on February 3, 2022, to officially retire as a Bruin. And when the pressure was on? Chara shone, appearing in 14 Game 7s, tied with Patrice Bergeron for the most in NHL history.

The influence of Chara goes much more than the figures. In 24 years in the NHL with the Islanders, Capitals, Bruins, and Senators, he played 1680 games, scored 680 points, and created an NHL record of most games played by a defenseman.

He was the winner of the Norris Trophy, the Mark Messier Leadership Award, selected to the All-Star Team several times, and six NHL All-Star Games. He was also inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025. These days, he’s still very much involved with the Bruins as the Advisor and Mentor of Hockey Operations, which is evidence that, despite his absence in the field, the leadership, presence, and influence of Zdeno Chara are still as monumental as ever.