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31m ago

Bruins Retire Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 at TD Garden

The honor caps a Hall of Fame career that reshaped the franchise’s identity.

Jan 15, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Former Boston Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara is introduced at a ceremony to retire his number before a game between the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Charlie McAvoy spent his first few seasons in the NHL skating alongside Zdeno Chara.
Zdeno Chara's No. 33 now hangs above the TD Garden ice.
Zdeno Chara was honored at TD Garden on Thursday night.

Overview

  • The Bruins raised Chara’s banner before the game against the Kraken, with his wife and three children pulling the rope after 2011 teammates carried the No. 33 to center ice.
  • Bruins icons including Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Willie O’Ree, Cam Neely, John Bucyk, Terry O’Reilly and Rick Middleton attended, and Andrew Ference emceed the 52‑minute ceremony.
  • Chara told reporters he was “speechless” and said the crowd’s “Thank you, Chara” chant nearly brought him to tears.
  • The 48-year-old becomes the 13th player in franchise history to have a number retired, adding to a résumé that includes a 2009 Norris Trophy and captaining the 2011 Stanley Cup champions.
  • Now the club’s Hockey Operations Advisor and Mentor, Chara continues to guide current Bruins after a 14-season captaincy that set the team’s standard for leadership and work ethic.