The overseas NHL club Boston Bruins ceremoniously retired the number 33 jersey in honor of Zden Chára. The ceremony took place before the night game against Seattle, and the Slovakian defenseman became the thirteenth legend in Bruins history to be honored by the club.
For Chara, this marks the completion of a period in which he was inducted into three Halls of Fame. During the World Cup 2025, he became a member of the Hall of Fame of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and in August he joined the Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame. In November 2025, he was the main face of a group of hockey personalities who became new members of the Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF).
“To celebrate the hanging of Char’s number 33 under the roof of TD Garden, fans will receive an exclusive Zden Chara figure commemorating his career with the Boston Bruins. It depicts one of the most memorable moments of Char’s tenure with the Bruins, when he lifted the Stanley Cup above his head.” reported the Boston Bruins on the web.
Chára became the fourth native of Slovakia whose jersey was retired by one of the clubs in the NHL. Former strikers Stan Mikita (Chicago Blackhawks, jersey no. 21), Peter Šťastný (Quebec Nordiques, 26) and Marián Hossa (Chicago Blackhawks, 81) received this honor before him. At the same time, he became the 27th European with a hung jersey in the NHL. The “European” number 33 was also retired by the Vancouver Canucks club in honor of former Swedish forward Henrik Sedin.
Chára became the first Bruins legend to wear a jersey since 2022, when the club honored forward Willie O’Ree with the number 22. Former defenders Eddie Shore (2), Lionel Hitchman (3), Bobby Orr (4) and Ray Bourque (77) and forwards Dit Clapper (5), Phil Esposito (7), Cam Neely (8), Johnny Bucyk (9), Milt Schmidt (15), Rick Middleton (16) and Terry O’Reilly (24).
The club announced that Chará’s jersey would be displayed at the beginning of October 2025. At the same time, it also published a video in which Bruins president Cam Neely ushered the former Slovakian defenseman into the TD Garden and told him, “The reason we’re here is because between the retired numbers 24 and 77, your number 33 will go this season.” Chara was taken aback as he did not expect this information. “Oh my God. Thank you so much, it’s an incredible honor. I don’t even know what to say, you got me. I’m shocked, surprised and grateful,” stated the last wearer of the number 33 in the history of the Boston Bruins.
Chára held the position of captain throughout his time in the team. In 2011, he led the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup. He played a total of 1173 games for the Bears in the regular season and playoffs. “No one better embodies what it means to be a Boston Bruins player than Zdeno Chara. He brought a unique leadership style to Boston, motivating his teammates every day. During his 14 years as captain, he helped define our hockey with his pursuit of excellence on the ice and sportsmanship, as well as his commitment to serving the Boston community off the ice,” said Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs.
Chára started a total of 1,680 games in the regular season during his career, which is a historical record among defenders. In 2009, he won the prestigious Norris trophy for the best defender of the season, two years later he also added the Mark Messier Leadership Award for the best leader of the competition to his collection. He played in the NHL All-Star Game six times. He ended his professional league career in 2022 as a New York Islanders player.
In total, he led the Bruins to the NHL playoff finals three times. However, he was unable to follow up on the triumph of 2011. In 2013, Boston lost to Chicago, six years later it was not enough for St. Louis. Chára played in this series despite a fractured jaw and started with a full face mask. “It wasn’t the only injury I had at the time. My elbow was also bothering me and I had a damaged shoulder. I knew I could play, so I didn’t think much of it.” revealed Chara.
In the summer of 2026, he plans to put a symbolic end to his playing career with an exhibition match in Trenčín. Several famous names, including foreign stars, were supposed to take part in it. Chara informed about the action in August 2025 and of the expected players, he only revealed the name of David Pastrňák.
Even after his career, his passion for sports outside the hockey arena did not leave him. He has already participated in the famous marathon in Boston. In April 2023, he achieved a time of 3:30 h on it, and later completed a demanding Ironman race. He has already performed on several marathon tracks and is also close to cycling. “I enjoy both cycling and running. They have always been important parts of my preparation for the season. I missed the team after my career. As an athlete, you have a set schedule, but after your career you suddenly lack a clearly defined calendar, so you ask yourself – what should I do?,” Chara joked.
