Zdeno Chara

Zdeno Chara, born on March 18, 1977, in Trenčín, Slovakia, is a former NHL player. He played 1,680 games for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals.

Zdeno Chara’s Career

After playing in Slovakia, Chara was drafted 56th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1996 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut in 1997, becoming the tallest player ever to play in the league at 6'9" (205 cm). His size earned him the nickname “Big Z.”

Because of his exceptional height, the NHL made an exception to its rule limiting hockey sticks to 65 inches. Chara’s stick was 67 inches long.

During the 2004–2005 NHL lockout, Chara played in the Swedish Hockey League for Färjestad BK, recording 25 points and 132 penalty minutes in 33 games.

Chara quickly earned a reputation as a tough player, engaging in 69 recorded fights during his 1,680 NHL games. His total games played ranks seventh in NHL history.

In 2009, Chara won the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman. Two years later, in 2011, he captained the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship, defeating the Vancouver Canucks in seven games.

Internationally, he represented Slovakia in seven World Championships, winning two silver medals (2000 and 2012), and competed in three Olympic Games (2006, 2010, 2014).