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Bruins legend Zdeno Chara describes ‘surreal’ induction into Hockey Hall of Fame
Chara was given his Hall of Fame ring and plaque on Saturday as part of the weekend-long induction festivities.
Zdeno Chara’s name officially appears alongside the greatest names in hockey following his induction into the hockey Hall of Fame this weekend. Chara got his Hall of Fame ring on Saturday, opening up the festivities that will continue through the official induction ceremony on Monday.
The longtime captain of the Bruins and Stanley Cup champion spent the day in Toronto reminiscing on his career. Multiple former teammates shared stories and congratulations to the defenseman throughout the day, and Chara shared the moment with another fellow Bruin, Joe Thornton, who was also selected to the hall of fame in the 2025 class.
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Thornton and Chara didn’t don the ‘Spoked B’ at the same time; Thornton was traded in the middle of the 2005-06 season while Chara showed up in Boston ahead of the 2006-07 season. However, the pair shared plenty of smiles together while achieving the highest honor in the sport.
“Me and Joe, we started pretty much the same time … he had an amazing career. I just tried to do what I was feeling was the right thing to do in Boston, it worked out and I’m very proud of that,” Chara said. “Now looking back, players like that you really appreciate that you had those chances to go against them and compare yourself against the best.”
Chara collected a host of accolades over his illustrious career. On top of his Stanley Cup win in 2011, he was a seven-time All-Star, a Norris Trophy winner (given to the top defenseman in the NHL) in the 2008-09 season and a Messier award winner for leadership in 2010-11.
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Chara became the Bruins’ team captain as soon as he arrived in Boston in 2006, and held that title for his entire 14-year tenure with the franchise.
“I’m kind of nervous just standing here because there’s just so many legends and so many players, good people who have done so much,” Chara said Saturday. “I don’t know how to describe it. It is a little bit surreal.”
Chara didn’t hide the awe on his face when cameras captured his first glance at the Hall of Fame plaque hung high on the wall at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
“It felt very special. To be honest, I got some shakes,” Chara said of seeing his plaque for the first time. “It was so special, seeing all these legends and all these people who have done so much for the game … and now seeing my face, my name on it? I really have a hard time describing what it’s like.”
Although Chara played for four different teams in his career, his best years and moments came as a member of the Bruins. Already beloved in Boston, the 6-foot-9 giant can now officially stand tall among the hockey greats all over the world.
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