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Zdeno Chara announces his retirement as a member of the Boston Bruins

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TJ Tucker
September 20, 2022  (8:58)
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The Big Z has announced his retirement. Zdeno Chara took to his Instagram account Tuesday to announce he is done playing professional hockey after a career that spanned a quarter-century. He'll do it as a member of the team where he spent the bulk of his career.

After 25 seasons of professional hockey 1,680 NHL regular season games, 200 Stanley Cup Playoff games, and hundreds of international games I am proud to announce my decision to retire from the National Hockey League. In doing so, I am honored to return to TD Garden today to sign a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins and officially finish my career with the team that has meant so much to me and my family. There are so many people that have helped contribute to my success, including all of you, and I look forward to properly thanking everyone this afternoon.

Thank you,
Big Zee

Chara was initially drafted 54th overall by the New York Islanders in 1996. He moved on to the Ottawa Senators for four seasons, and then signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent. In 2011, he became a Stanley Cup champion with the Bruins. Throughout his career, he also win the Norris Trophy, the Mark Messier Leadership Award, and was named an NHL All-Star five times. After leaving Boston in 2020, Chara played one seasons with the Washington Capitals, and then the New York Islanders before announcing his retirement. Next stop for Chara is likely the Hall of Fame. Congrats on a great career!