Zdeno Chara, the longtime Boston Bruins captain known for his relentless work ethic, will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 10, 2025. His arrival in Boston in 2006 brought hope and transformed the franchise, leading to a Stanley Cup win in 2011. Teammate Patrice Bergeron highlights Chara's leadership and commitment in a special testimonial.
Zdeno Chara's journey to the Hockey Hall of Fame is a story of perseverance and leadership. Standing at 6-foot-9, the defenseman played 24 NHL seasons across four teams: the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. He appeared in 1,680 games, the most ever for a defenseman, accumulating 680 points with 209 goals and 471 assists while averaging 23:30 of ice time per game.
Chara's career highlights include winning the 2009 Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, the 2011 Mark Messier Leadership Award and a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011. He led Boston to the Final three times during his 14 seasons there. Signed as a free agent on July 1, 2006, after the team's 29-37-16 season, Chara became captain and instilled a culture of hard work. As Bruins general manager Don Sweeney noted, “Zdeno built himself into one of the best players that ever played in the National Hockey League, and his personality and his commitment to everything he does, it just speaks for itself.”
Patrice Bergeron, Chara's teammate for 14 years, shared in a testimonial how Chara's arrival sparked hope. “His acquisition meant meaningful hockey was soon coming back to Causeway Street,” Bergeron wrote. “Zee brought purpose with him every time he stepped into the rink.” Bergeron described Chara's contagious commitment, from treating his body like a temple to mentoring young players. Even off the ice, Chara's drive persisted; while rehabbing an injury, he earned a real estate license and now competes in marathons and Ironmans.
Chara began playing hockey at age 6.5 in Trencin, Czechoslovakia, drawn by the arena's unique smell. Influenced by his father, a 1976 Olympic wrestler, he embraced pushing beyond pain. Coaches like Rick Bowness, who guided him as a rookie in 1997-98, praised his improvement despite early doubts about his foot speed. “No one could see that he would be a Norris Trophy winner and a Hall of Famer,” Bowness said.
The 2025 Hall class also includes players Jennifer Botterill, Brianna Decker, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton, plus builders Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau.