Boston Bruins legend Zdeno Chara was one of six players named to the NHL’s Quarter-Century Team, announced Thursday by the league.
Throughout the 100-year history of the Bruins, being built on the blue line has been a huge part of the franchise’s success. Legends and icons like Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque have donned the Spoked-B in the essential position in the NHL. Chara joined those elite players as a predominant fixture for 14 seasons in Boston.
“It’s a tremendous honor, more than words can say,” Chara said in a statement released by the Bruins. “To be recognized among the best over the past 25 years is truly humbling. I’ve always played with pride, passion, and respect for the game, and I’m grateful for every teammate, coach, and fan who was part of this journey. From the early days of my career to lifting the Cup with Boston, every moment was built on hard work, sacrifice and love of the game.
“I am deeply thankful to have shared this journey with so many incredible people, especially my family. Thank you all!”
Patrice Bergeron shared the ice with Chara the entire time the towering defenseman manned the blue line in Boston.
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“His competitive drive, the way that he prepared, practices for games, in the gym, his focus, I learned from all of that. It was a privilege to be a part of it,” Bergeron said, per the NHL. “It was also a privilege for me at a young age to learn from him. He had a great impact. … It’s been an honor to be with him.”
Chara signed with the Bruins as a free agent in 2006 and became the Original Six franchise’s 18th captain. He served as captain for his entire tenure in Boston.
The 6-foot-9 defenseman skated in 1,023 games for the Black and Gold, lighting the lamp 148 times while adding 333 assists for 481 points. He won the Norris Trophy in 2009 and had his name engraved on the Stanley Cup when he helped lead the Bruins to their first championship in 39 years in 2011, the same season he won the Mark Messier Award.
Chara was named to the Bruins’ Quarter-Century First Team in January along with Bergeron, David Krejci, Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy and Tim Thomas.
The first group of players all made their NHL debuts before 2000. Jarome Iginla, Nicklas Lindstrom, Joe Sakic, Teemu Selanne and Joe Thornton were the other players revealed Thursday. The league will reveal seven skaters who debuted between 2000 and 2010 on Friday.
