By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
This past Thursday night, the Boston Bruins retired Zdeno Chara’s number 33. Chara was the 13th player in franchise history to have his number lifted to the TD Garden rafters.
It was an emotional ceremony. Chara’s longtime teammate in Boston, Andrew Ference, spoke for much of the event. The former NHL defenseman did a wonderful job highlighting Chara’s importance on the ice, in the Bruins’ locker room, and in the Boston community.
When Chara signed with Boston in the summer of 2006, the organization needed a kick-start. The Big Bad Bruins of the past were exactly that, a thing of the past. And Boston had its focus dedicated towards Tom Brady’s Patriots and David Ortiz’s Red Sox.
But Chara would play a massive role in reinvigorating New England’s love for hockey. His work ethic and professionalism were made clear from the jump.
He was one of the most intimidating players of his era, as his six-foot-nine frame and menacing glare would be enough to make even hardened veterans think twice about dumping the puck into his corner. Not to mention, Chara’s rocket of a shot was always a threat from the point.
Bruins fans got to watch a plethora of talented players during Chara’s 14-year run as Boston’s captain. From the phenomenal two-way play of Patrice Bergeron, to the hair-on-fire chaos Brad Marchand brought to the table, to the puck-handling wizardry of David Krejci, to the different styles Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask preened in Boston’s crease.
And through all the roster turnover, coaching changes, and playoff battles that took place between 2007 and 2020, there was Chara. Hunkering down in the role of Boston’s anchor while exuding a calming presence on the ice whenever the Bruins needed a stabilizing shift or to keep momentum rolling in their favor.
He was always given the hardest minutes, hopping over the boards whenever Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin were up for their next shift. Bruins fans took solace knowing he would be the one on the ice protecting a lead late in games.
And during the ceremony Thursday night, one word stood out: appreciation. And the feeling was mutual from both sides of the glass.
At one point, the fans in attendance started a “Thank you, Chara,” chant that nearly brought the honoree to tears. It was sincere gratitude for all those shot blocks and heavy hits absorbed. Not to mention, the touching tribute served as a full-throated stamp of approval for the truly legendary moments of Chara’s career.
Bruins fans will never forget the sheer euphoric yell when he finally lifted Lord Stanley over his head in June of 2011. Or the spine-chilling sequence of Chara taking the ice for player introductions before game five of The 2019 Stanley Cup Finals with a broken jaw.
These moments are etched into Boston sports lore, along with Curt Schilling’s bloody sock, Larry Bird stealing the ball, and a myriad of other iconic sports moments New England will forever cherish.
But the thanking was a two-way street during the ceremony. It was clear that Chara was grateful that the city of Boston welcomed him and his family as one of their own. He appeared genuinely appreciative of the admiration showered down from the Garden faithful.
For as long as the Bruins are an organization, Chara’s number 33 will hang alongside other Black and Gold royalty. He helped turn the franchise around, brought The Cup back to Boston, and captained one of the most successful eras in franchise history. Chara’s impact on the Bruins should never be forgotten.
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