Zdeno Chara helped change the culture of the Bruins over his 14 years in Boston. He was the captain for his entire tenure, won a Stanley Cup with the team in 2011, helped lead them to Finals in 2013 and 2019 and is a 2009 Norris Trophy.
A quick look at his résumé and it seemed like a no-brainer that the Bruins would retire his No. 33.
But not to Chara.
“It was quite surprising to me,” Chara said Tuesday. “I had no idea that was coming, and it was quite a shock. It’s a huge honor, incredible honor. I never imagined, coming to Boston, that one day I’m going to have my jersey retired and hanging in the rafters. It’s such a privilege.”
The Bruins announced they will officially retire Chara’s number on Jan. 15, 2026 in a pregame ceremony.
“It’s incredible, but not a surprise to a lot of us,” David Pastnak said. “Well-deserved for everything he’s done of hockey. In Czech and in Slovakia he is still an idol to many, many young players. I can’t wait for the night.”
Chara amassed 148 goals, 333 assists in 1,023 regular-season games with the Bruins. He ranks eighth in franchise history in games played and third in goals, assists, points powerplay goals (69), shorthanded goals (19).
Despite all he accomplished as an individual, having his No. 33 in the rafters was something that didn’t cross his mind during his playing days.
“The focus is strictly on winning,” Chara said. “You’re not really focusing on yourself. … While I was playing, none of that was on my mind.”
Chara, now a hockey operations advisor and mentor with the Bruins, admitted once he retired there were thoughts about whether having his number up in the TD Garden rafters was a possibility, but was at peace if it never came fruition.
“If it didn’t happen, that’s OK,” he said. “I did what I could. I tried my best and gave it my all.”