Boston–the boston bruins Zdeno Chara’s number was retired in a ceremony before Thursday night’s game against seattle kraken.
Chara’s number 33 is the 13th to be raised to the rafters by the Original Six franchise. The ceremony was attended by some of his predecessors, including Bobby Orr, John Busick, Cam Neely and Willie O’Ree.
Chara spoke to the crowd with a “Big Zee” ice sculpture at center ice, with a “Big Zee” ice sculpture on the side and a large number 33 behind it. Fans were asked to take their seats two hours early, and TD Garden began chanting “Zee!” echoed with a huge slogan of Followed by “Thank you, Chara!” There was loud cheering.
The Bruins gave Chara a trip to Australia, where he plans to run the Sydney Marathon as part of his attempt to complete all seven major marathons.
The 2009 Norris Trophy winner and 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Chara spent 14 of his 24 NHL seasons in Boston, leading the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup. His 1,680 games are the most of any NHL defenceman.
