A Boston Bruins Icon Forever: Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 to Be Retired in a Historic Ceremony
No one will ever don the No. 33 jersey for the Boston Bruins again. In a heartfelt announcement made on Monday, the Bruins revealed that they will retire Zdeno Chara’s iconic No. 33 early in the 2025-26 NHL season. The special ceremony is scheduled for January 15, 2026, just before the Bruins face off against the Seattle Kraken at TD Garden. This moment will immortalize Chara’s legendary status within one of hockey’s most storied franchises.
Chara’s impact on the Bruins is nothing short of monumental. Serving as team captain for an impressive 14 years—from 2006 until 2020—he was the cornerstone of the team’s defense and leadership. Most notably, he captained the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup victory in nearly four decades, clinching the championship in 2011. His No. 33 will become the 13th jersey number retired by the Bruins, joining a prestigious group of franchise legends.
Cam Neely, the Bruins’ president and a Hall of Famer himself, didn’t hold back in praising Chara’s contributions. He described Chara as "one of the greatest Bruins of all time," highlighting how his arrival in Boston brought a unique blend of size, strength, skill, and leadership that transformed the team. "From the moment he stepped on the ice in 2006, Zdeno set a new standard with his professionalism, relentless work ethic, and fierce competitiveness," Neely said. "He elevated everyone around him and represented the Bruins with unmatched class. Having my own number retired, I can say without hesitation that Zdeno’s No. 33 absolutely deserves to hang in the rafters."
Chara’s career achievements are staggering. A 2025 Hall of Fame inductee and winner of the 2009 Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, he was selected for six NHL All-Star games and played over 1,000 games with the Bruins alone. Over his Boston tenure, he amassed 148 goals and 333 assists, totaling 481 points. Remarkably, across his entire 24-year NHL career, Chara holds the record for the most games played by a defenseman, with 1,680 appearances.
In his own words, Chara expressed deep gratitude and emotion about this honor: "Seeing my No. 33 jersey raised to the rafters at TD Garden is beyond anything I ever imagined when I first arrived in Boston. This recognition means the world to me. To the Bruins organization, thank you for trusting me to lead this team. To my teammates, past and present, this moment belongs to all of us. To the incredible Bruins fans, your passion and energy made Boston feel like home from day one and pushed me every game. And to my family, none of this would have been possible without you. This moment is ours together."
The Bruins’ retired numbers list reads like a who’s who of hockey greatness: No. 16 for Rick Middleton, No. 8 for Cam Neely, No. 24 for Terry O’Reilly, No. 77 for Ray Bourque, No. 7 for Phil Esposito, No. 9 for Johnny Bucyk, No. 4 for Bobby Orr, No. 15 for Milt Schmidt, No. 2 for Eddie Shore, No. 5 for Aubrey "Dit" Clapper, and No. 3 for Lionel Hitchman. Chara’s addition to this elite group further cements his legacy.
After officially retiring in September 2022 by signing a one-day contract with the Bruins, Chara has stayed active in impressive ways. He has taken on endurance challenges like Ironman triathlons and marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon, showcasing his dedication and athleticism beyond the rink.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Some fans wonder if retiring numbers too frequently dilutes the honor, while others argue that Chara’s leadership and longevity make him unquestionably worthy. What do you think? Should the Bruins reserve this honor only for the absolute elite, or is Chara’s impact on and off the ice enough to justify this permanent tribute? Share your thoughts below—do you agree with the Bruins’ decision, or do you see it differently? Let’s get the conversation started!
