Bruins Retire Zdeno Chara’s Number 33
The Boston Bruins announced that they will retire the number 33 of former captain Zdeno Chara on January 15, before the game against Seattle. Chara will become the thirteenth player in the history of the franchise to have his number raised to the rafters, and the first since Willie O’Ree in 2022. Recently, Chara rejoined the organization as an advisor and mentor for hockey operations.Chara captained the Bruins to the Stanley Cup in 2011, as part of his 14 years in Boston. The 6-foot-9-inch Slovak defenseman won the Norris Trophy for the best in his position in the NHL in 2009 and helped the team reach the final in 2013 and 2019.There will never be another Zdeno Chara. From his skill, size, and physical dominance on the ice, to his leadership in the locker room and his impact on the Boston community, ‘Zee’ is a legend of the game.
Jeremy Jacobs, owner
This is the ultimate honor for Chara, who was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in June and will be inducted in November.This honor is greater than anything I could have imagined when I first arrived in Boston. I am eternally grateful to the Bruins organization for trusting me to lead, to all my past and present teammates, to the fans whose passion and energy made Boston feel like home, and to my family who made everything possible.
Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chara brought with him an unparalleled presence, combining size, strength, and skill with a leadership style that elevated everyone around him. Zdeno set the standard with his professionalism, his legendary work ethic, and his fierce competitiveness, and he did it all while representing our organization with the utmost class.
Cam Neely, Bruins President
