*Photo from WMUR*
One of the longtime legends of hockey has decided to call it a career. UFA left shot defenseman Zdeno Chara has announced his retirement from the NHL after almost two and a half decades. Chara broke the news on his Instagram page Tuesday morning.
To formally retire from the league, Chara signed a one day contract with the Boston Bruins, who he spent 14 seasons with. Over his long and storied career, Chara captained the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup Title, and holds the record for most games played by a defenseman in the NHL.
In his 14 seasons with the Bruins, Chara led the team to the playoffs in 11 of those years. In 2009, Chara took home the Norris Trophy 3 years after being named captain of the Bruins. His 1,023 games with the Bruins are 6th in team history, and he's 3rd in team history in points by a defenseman.
The last game of Chara's career ultimately ended up being April 29 of this past year, when the New York Islanders squared off against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chara scored in the 3rd period of the Islanders loss, and was serenaded with "Char-a!" chants from the Islanders faithful. The Lighting stayed on the ice after the game to give Chara handshakes.
On his Instagram post, Chara said "After 25 seasons of professional hockey 1,680 NHL regular season games, 200 Stanley Cup Playoff games, and hundreds of international games I am proud to announce my decision to retire from the National Hockey League. In doing so, I am honored to return to TD Garden today to sign a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins and officially finish my career with the team that has meant so much to me and my family. There are so many people that have helped contribute to my success, including all of you, and I look forward to properly thanking everyone this afternoon."
Chara's last season was in an Islanders uniform, his second stint with the team. He ended the 2021-2022 season with two goals and 12 assists, recording a +8 plus/minus rating with an average of 18:44 ice time in 72 regular season games.
In his career, Chara has played for the Islanders, Bruins, and Ottawa Senators in 24 years in the league. He has 209 goals and 471 assists, posting a +301 plus/minus rating over an average of 23:44 of ice time in 1,680 regular season games. Chara has 18 goals and 52 assists in 200 career playoff games.
Prior to retiring, Chara was the oldest active player in all 5 major sports leagues in the U.S. combined. His retirement now makes Joe Thornton the last active athlete in North America to have played professionally in the 1990's.
Comments
Post a Comment