September 20, 2022: After twenty-five seasons in the NHL, defenseman Zdeno Chara retires as a Boston Bruin.
Our sister station 98.5 The Sports Hub had the breaking news earlier this morning. Of course, the story came from Zee himself, via his Instagram:
The caption reads:
After 25 seasons of professional hockey 1,680 NHL regular season games, 200 Stanley Cup Playoff games, and hundreds of international games I am proud to announce my decision to retire from the National Hockey League. In doing so, I am honored to return to TD Garden today to sign a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins and officially finish my career with the team that has meant so much to me and my family. There are so many people that have helped contribute to my success, including all of you, and I look forward to properly thanking everyone this afternoon.
Thank you,
Big Zee
It’s no surprise that Chara is signing the one-day deal to retire as a Bruin. Big Zee took the ice for 1,023 of his 1,680 career NHL games with Boston. He also wore the spoked “B” for 943 of his astounding 1,070 career playoff games. And those playoff games he played in the 2010-2011 season are a big part of the reason the Stanley Cup returned to Boston in 2011. The Captain brought the Cup back to the Hub of Hockey, so it only makes sense that he would retire as a Boston Bruin.
Zdeno Chara Retires
Before the pomp and circumstance of Big Zee’s retirement ceremony takes center ice, let’s take a look back at his stunning quarter-century career. We’ll focus on his years with the Bruins, of course, but his entire body of work is worth celebrating. For those of us lucky enough to have watched him play–especially here in Boston–he was larger than life in the NHL. Both literally and figuratively.
Islanders V Bruins
Share9 Apr 1998: Defenseman Zdeno Chara of the New York Islanders in action against center Tim Taylor of the Boston Bruins (left) during a game at the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeated the Islanders 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laber
Senators v Blues X Nash
Share27 Nov 2001: Tyson Nash #9 of the St. Louis Blues and Zdeno Chara #3 of the Ottawa Senators fight for the puck during the third period at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, Missouri. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/ALLSPORT
Senators v Maple Leafs
ShareTORONTO - OCTOBER 12: Defenseman Zdeno Chara #3 of the Ottawa Senators chooses a stick during warm-ups prior to the start of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 12, 2002. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)
Chara competes
ShareSUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 1: Zdeno Chara #3 of the Ottawa Senators competes in the hardest shot event during the NHL All-Star SuperSkills competition at the Office Depot Center on February 1, 2003 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)
IIHF Quarter Finals – Switzerland v Slovakia
SharePRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MAY 6: Zdeno Chara (L) of Slovakia keeps Mark Streit of Switzerland at bay as Slovak Marian Hossa takes control of the puck in the teams' quarter finals match at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship May 6, 2004 in Prague, Czech Republic. Slovakia won 3-1. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
2006 Olympic Hockey Portraits
ShareOTTAWA - JANUARY 11: Zdeno Chara of the Ottawa Senators poses for a portrait in his Torino 2006 Olympic jersey on January 11, 2006 at the Corel Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Ottawa Senators
ShareOTTAWA, CANADA - APRIL 11: Senators defenseman Zdeno Chara #3 celebrates his overtime game winning goal with teammate Mike Fisher #12 on April 11, 2006 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Canada. The Senators defeated the Bruins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)
2006 Boston Bruins Headshots
ShareBOSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins poses for a portrait at the TD Banknorth Garden on September 12, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Toronto Maple Leafs
ShareTORONTO - JANUARY 1: Wade Belak #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs tussles with Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during their game at the Air Canada Centre on January 1, 2007 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 5-1.(Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
NHL All-Star Portraits
ShareATLANTA - JANUARY 26: Eastern Conference All-Star Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins poses for a portrait as part of the 2008 NHL All-Star weekend at Philips Arena on January 26, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images for the NHL)
NHL All-Star Red Carpet Arrivals
ShareATLANTA - JANUARY 26: Eastern Conference All-Star Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins signs autographs for fans as he arrives to the 2008 NHL All-Star weekend at Philips Arena on January 26, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2008 56th NHL All-Star Game
ShareATLANTA - JANUARY 27: Eastern Conference All-Star Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins is introduced to the 56th NHL All-Star Game at Philips Arena on January 27, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Pittsburgh Penquins
SharePITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 30: Defenseman Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins checks forward Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 30, 2008 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
2010 Bridgestone Winter Classic – Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins
ShareBOSTON - JANUARY 01: Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers battles for possession of the puck against Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during the second period of the 2010 Bridgestone Winter Classic at Fenway Park on January 1, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v San Jose Sharks
ShareSAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 14: Evgeni Nabokov #20 of the San Jose Sharks has a shot go by him by Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during a shoot out in NHL action at the HP Pavilion on January 14, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Vancouver Canucks – Game Seven
ShareVANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 15: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with his teammates Tim Thomas #30, Rich Peverley #49 and Zdeno Chara #33 after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Arena on June 15, 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4 to 0. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Vancouver Canucks – Game Seven
ShareVANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 15: Patrice Bergeron #37, Mark Recchi #28, Shawn Thornton #22, and Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins pose with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Arena on June 15, 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4 to 0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins Victory Parade
ShareBOSTON, MA - JUNE 18: Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins raises the Stanley Cup during a victory parade on June 18, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
NHL Awards Show
ShareLAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 22: Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins holds the Stanley Cup as he walks into the media room during the 2011 NHL Awards at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort June 22, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Stanley Cup Media Day
ShareVANCOUVER, BC - MAY 31: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins skates during a practice session the day before the opening game of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at the Rogers Arena on May 31, 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Vancouver Canucks – Game One
ShareVANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 01: Zdeno Chara #33 and Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins go for the puck after a shot on goal against the Vancouver Canucks during game one of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Rogers Arena on June 1, 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Vancouver Canucks – Game One
ShareVANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 01: Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks makes a save against Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during game one of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Rogers Arena on June 1, 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
2012 NHL All-Star Game – Player Portraits
ShareOTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins and Team Chara poses prior to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game at Scotiabank Place on January 29, 2012 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game
ShareOTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins and team Chara skates on the ice during introductions for the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game at Scotiabank Place on January 29, 2012 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final – Game Six
ShareBOSTON, MA - JUNE 24: Ray Emery #30 of the Chicago Blackhawks shakes hands with Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins after Game Six of the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 24, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
New York Rangers v Boston Bruins
ShareBOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal in the third period against the New York Rangers during the game at TD Garden on November 29, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins v Boston Bruins – Game Four
ShareBOSTON, MA - JUNE 07: NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly shakes hands with Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins in front of the Prince of Wales Trophy after the Bruins defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0 in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on June 7, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Anaheim Ducks
ShareANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 07: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins checks Matt Beleskey #39 of the Anaheim Ducks into the boards at Honda Center on January 7, 2014 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Biathlon – Winter Olympics Day 2
ShareSOCHI, RUSSIA - FEBRUARY 09: Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and member of the Slovakia hockey team looks around the venue before the Women's 7.5 km Sprint during day two of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center on February 9, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Ice Hockey – Winter Olympics Day 6 – Slovakia v United States
ShareSOCHI, RUSSIA - FEBRUARY 13: Zdeno Chara #33 of Slovakia looks on against the United States during the Men's Ice Hockey Preliminary Round Group A game on day six of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Shayba Arena on February 13, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins
ShareBOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 8: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins makes his way onto the ice before a game with the Philadelphia Flyers in their NHL season opener on October 8, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Detroit Red Wings v Boston Bruins – Game Five
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 26: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal at the end of the second period with teammate Reilly Smith #18 against the Detroit Red Wings in Game Five of the First Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 26, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham) (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens – Game Three
ShareMONTREAL, QC - MAY 6: Gregory Campbell #11, Chad Johnson #30 and Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins warms-up over the in ice Stanley Cup logo during warmup prior to Game Three of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on May 6, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins Bring Halloween Laughter And Cheer To Boston Children’s Hospital Patients
ShareBOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 28: Boston Bruins (L to R) Jimmy Hayes, Torey Krug, Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, and Tuuka Rask visit Matthew at Boston Children's Hospital October 28, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for BCH)
Boston Bruins v New Jersey Devils
ShareNEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 08: Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New Jersey Devils goes against Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during the first period at the Prudential Center on January 8, 2016 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
World Cup Of Hockey 2016 Final – Game One – Europe v Canada
ShareTORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 27: Zdeno Chara #33 of Team Europe stands during introductions prior to the game against Team Canada during Game One of the World Cup of Hockey final series at Air Canada Centre on September 27, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
World Cup Of Hockey 2016 Final – Game Two – Canada v Europe
ShareTORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of Team Europe is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a first period goal against Team Canada during Game Two of the World Cup of Hockey final series at the Air Canada Centre on September 29, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Bruins Celebrate The Holiday Season With A Visit To Boston Children’s Hospital
ShareBOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 19: Boston Bruins (L to R) Torey Krug, Zdeno Chara, Riley Nash, and Matt Belesky visit Ari at Boston Children's Hospital on December 19, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for Boston Children's Hospital)
Montreal Canadiens v Boston Bruins
ShareBOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 12: Frank Vatrano #72 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Zdeno Chara #33 and David Pastrnak #88 after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden on February 12, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Canadiens 4-0. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins Holiday Toy Drop For Patients At Boston Children’s Hospital
ShareBOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 12: Boston Bruins (L to R) David Krejci, Steven Kampfer, Brad Marchand, and Zdeno Chara deliver gifts to the kids at Boston Children's Hospital December 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for Boston Children's Hospital)
Boston Bruins v Carolina Hurricanes – Game Four
ShareRALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Patrice Bergeron #37 and Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins pose with the Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and the Prince of Wales Trophy after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Four to win the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 16, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final – Game Six
ShareST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 09: David Perron #57 of the St. Louis Blues is checked by Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in Game Six of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Enterprise Center on June 09, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final – Game Seven
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 12: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins is introduced prior to Game Seven of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues at TD Garden on June 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Carolina Hurricanes v Boston Bruins – Game Five
ShareTORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 19: Ryan Dzingel #18 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins battle for position in front of net during the third period in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 19, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning v Boston Bruins – Game Three
ShareTORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 26: Luke Schenn #2 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scuffles with Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during the second period in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 26, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Washington Capitals v Boston Bruins – Game Three
ShareBOSTON, MA - MAY 19: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Washington Capitals as Craig Smith #12 of the Boston Bruins reacts with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime in Game Three of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Washington Capitals – Game Five
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Members of the Boston Bruins line up to shake hands with Zdeno Chara #33 of the Washington Capitals following the Bruins 3-1 win during Game Five of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs to advance to the next round at Capital One Arena on May 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
St Louis Blues v New York Islanders
ShareELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 05: Zdeno Chara #33 of the New York Islanders (R) is honored prior to the game against the St. Louis Blues for setting the record for most NHL games played by a defenseman and is joined by Josh Bailey #12 (R at the UBS Arena on March 05, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Islanders
ShareELMONT, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the New York Islanders salutes the crowd following the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena on April 29, 2022 in Elmont, New York. It has been rumored this could be the final NHL game for Chara. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)