Zdeno Chara is one of the most legendary Boston Bruins players ever and is currently working as an advisor and mentor within the organization. Last week, Chara was surprised with the news that his jersey number, 33, will be retired by the Bruins. His amazing reaction was caught on camera and says everything you need to know about the man.
Zdeno Chara played eight years in the NHL before joining the Boston Bruins ahead of the 2006–2007 season — which is almost hard to imagine, since he’s so strongly associated with the Bruins. During his 14 seasons in Boston, Chara played 1,023 regular-season games, tallied 481 points, and captained the team to their now-legendary 2011 Stanley Cup win.
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Most games by defenseman
After one season each with the Washington Capitals and the team that drafted him way back in 1996, the New York Islanders, Chara called it quits on a career that saw him win the Norris Trophy in 2009. He also played in 1,680 regular-season games — the most by any defenseman in NHL history.
Ahead of the 2025–2026 season, Chara returned to the Bruins as a Hockey Operations Coordinator, where he serves as an advisor and mentor. And in January 2026, his jersey number 33 will officially be retired by the Bruins. But Chara had no idea about the team’s plans — as a video of his reaction clearly shows.
Zdeno Chara jersey retired by the Bruins
In the video, Chara is seen walking with Bruins president Cam Neely on their way to take a few photos — or so Chara thinks. But when the duo is about to take the photo, Neely points to the rafters.
“You see between 24 and 77? The retired number banners. That’s where 33 is gonna go this year,” Neely says — and Chara can’t believe his eyes.
“Oh my god! Oh my god, Cam! Oh my god!” Chara exclaims as he hugs his president.
“Thank you so much. Wow, what an honor. You got me, first of all! I don’t know what to say. I’m shocked, I’m surprised. I was wondering, like, ‘Am I in trouble a week into the job?’” Chara says in the clip.
You can watch the clip below.
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