The rafters at TD Garden gained a new legend on Thursday night, as the Boston Bruins paid tribute to one of their most iconic figures—Zdeno Chara. Before the puck dropped against the Seattle Kraken, the Bruins retired Chara’s No. 33 jersey in a ceremony that was as grand as the man himself, marking a moment that fans and the hockey world won’t soon forget.
Chara, who captained the Bruins for 14 seasons and helped transform the franchise into a perennial contender, was honored in front of a sold-out crowd and a host of Bruins royalty. The night was a celebration of not just a remarkable career, but a legacy of leadership, resilience, and championship glory.
TD Garden’s doors opened early, with fans encouraged to take their seats two hours before the 8 p.m. ET faceoff. The anticipation was palpable. At 6:20 p.m. ET, the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted in a roar of “Zee!” as Chara took center ice, flanked by a towering “Big Zee” ice sculpture and a massive No. 33. The ceremony was broadcast live on NESN, NESN 360, Fubo, and ESPN+, ensuring that Bruins faithful near and far could witness history.
Chara’s journey to this moment is the stuff of hockey legend. Drafted by the New York Islanders in 1997, he spent four seasons in Long Island before a trade sent him to Ottawa in 2001. But it was his free-agent signing with Boston on July 1, 2006—a five-year, $37.5 million deal—that changed the course of both his career and the Bruins’ fortunes. Many call it the greatest free-agent signing in NHL history.
"I'm willing to lead by my example of hard work, dedication, discipline and drive," Chara declared at his introductory press conference in 2006. He set the tone from day one, making it clear: "I think the only thing we care (about) is the final goal and to win at the end." It was a promise he would deliver on in spectacular fashion.
Chara was named captain before ever playing a game for Boston, and he wore the C with pride for 14 seasons. His impact was immediate—he brought a new standard of professionalism, toughness, and accountability to a club that desperately needed direction. The Bruins, who had languished near the bottom of the standings in 2005-06, suddenly had a towering leader at the helm.
The transformation wasn’t instant, but Chara’s influence was undeniable. The Bruins endured playoff heartbreaks in 2008, 2009, and the infamous blown 3-0 series lead to Philadelphia in 2010. Through it all, Chara’s resolve never wavered. He became the anchor of a defense that would become the envy of the league, setting an example with his relentless work ethic and unyielding commitment to the team’s ultimate goal.
And then came 2011—a spring that Boston fans will cherish forever. With Chara leading the way, the Bruins captured their first Stanley Cup in 39 years. His performance throughout the playoffs was nothing short of heroic. In the first round against Montreal, he logged an eye-popping 37:06 of ice time in a double-overtime win. Against the Flyers, he helped Boston dominate, and in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final versus Tampa Bay, he shut down the Lightning’s stars in a 1-0 thriller.
But it was the Stanley Cup Final against the Vancouver Canucks where Chara’s legacy was truly cemented. Tasked with shutting down the Sedin twins—two of the league’s most potent scorers—Chara delivered a defensive clinic. Over seven games, Boston outscored Vancouver 15-6 with Chara on the ice, and the Canucks’ vaunted power play was neutralized by his presence. When NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman handed Chara the Cup, it was hoisted higher than ever before—fitting for the tallest player in league history.
Chara’s accolades are as towering as his 6-foot-9 frame. He won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2009 and claimed the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2011. Over 1,023 regular-season games with the Bruins—eighth-most in franchise history—he tallied 148 goals, 333 assists, and 481 points. His 1,680 career NHL games are the most ever by a defenseman, and he ranks seventh all-time in league history. He played 150 playoff games for Boston, ranking fifth in club history, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025.
Thursday’s ceremony was a true family affair, with Bruins legends like Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, John Bucyk, Cam Neely, and Willie O’Ree in attendance. Alumni such as Patrice Bergeron, Andrew Ference, Dennis Seidenberg, and Tim Thomas were also on hand to pay tribute. The crowd’s ovation was thunderous, and a giant “Thank you, Chara!” echoed through the Garden.
Chara, now 48 and the first European player to have his number retired by the Bruins, was visibly moved. "It's surreal," he told the crowd. "It is very special to have my number 33 go up in the rafters... wearing this jersey in front of you all has been the greatest honor." In a statement provided by the team, Chara added, "This honor is greater than anything I could have imagined when I first came to Boston. I am forever grateful to the Bruins organization for trusting me to lead, to all my teammates past and present, to the fans whose passion and energy made Boston feel like home, and to my family who made everything possible. This moment is not just mine—it belongs to all of us."
Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs summed it up best: "The Rafters are a fitting home for 33, because there will never be another Zdeno Chara." CEO Charlie Jacobs praised Chara’s "drive for on-ice excellence and sportsmanship, along with his off-ice commitment to serve the greater Boston community."
The Bruins presented Chara with a trip to Australia, where he plans to run the Sydney Marathon as part of his quest to complete all seven major marathons. After retiring from the NHL, Chara has remained active, running the Boston Marathon in 2024 and the London Marathon just days later. He recently joined the Bruins staff as a hockey operations advisor and mentor, continuing to shape the future of the franchise he helped resurrect.
As the game against the Kraken got underway, the energy in TD Garden remained electric. Chara’s No. 33 now hangs alongside the likes of Orr, Esposito, and Bourque—a permanent reminder of a player whose impact went far beyond the stat sheet. The Bruins’ next chapter is underway, but the shadow of "Big Zee" will loom large over the franchise for generations to come.
One thing is certain: Boston will never forget the era defined by Zdeno Chara, the captain who lifted the Bruins—and the Stanley Cup—higher than ever before.
