After two and half decades in the NHL, Zdeno Chara has announced his retirement. One of the all-time great Bruins will sign a one-day contract to retire in Boston.
A Big Legend
Zdeno Chara left his mark on the NHL in a big way. His massive presence helped to create the force that was the Boston Bruins. Before the Chara era, the Bruins were a very inconsistent team. There were flashes of hope but nothing that really said the team would go places.
That was until the team made a huge shake-up, trading away big pieces like the former first-overall pick, Joe Thornton. As a part of those moves, the Bruins also brought in a then Ottawa defenseman, Zdeno Chara, and immediately gave him the C. Chara would then go on to lead the Bruins to become perennial contenders, leading to three Stanley Cup Final appearances, including one victory. He did this all while terrifying any forwards who dare skate anywhere near him on the ice.
Chara’s Impressive Accolades
“Big Z” easily can be considered one of the all-time great Bruins. And his trophy case definitely proves that. Chara would be selected as an All-Star seven times throughout his career, earning a Norris Trophy and the aforementioned Stanley Cup.
At one of those All-Star games, Chara set the record for the fastest recorded slapshot at 108.8 MPH. A record that has yet to be broken. But Chara also will be remembered for his actions off the ice. Such as personally delivering pies on Thanksgiving to families in need in Boston. Despite his menacing presence on the ice, Chara was a player most looked up to. And after 25 long years, no one else deserves retirement more.
Hi, I’m RJ Oakley, the Bruins beat writer here at Belly Up Sports. Check back here and follow me on Twitter for news and discussion on the Bs. Be sure to follow Belly Up Hockey for all your NHL needs!
