Zdeno Chara

Zdeno Chara is a professional hockey player from Slovakia, currently playing for the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League. Since 2006, Chara has served as captain of the Bruins.

Fast Facts

1. Born: March 18, 1977
2. Birthplace: Trencin, Slovakia
3. Position: Defenseman
4. Shoots: Left
5. At 6-9 he is the tallest player to ever play in the NHL
6. Three time NHL All-Star and 2006 Olympian

Early Career

Chara began his career playing for the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League starting in 1996. That same year he was drafted 56th overall in the NHL Draft by the New York Islanders. Chara made his NHL debut in 1997, splitting his first couple of seasons between the Islanders and their American Hockey League affiliates. After four years in New York, Chara was traded to the Ottawa Senators on June 23, 2001.

Recent Years

In 2003, Chara was selected for his first of three NHL All-Star Game appearances. Chara was also honored in 2004 when he was nominated for the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL. 2006 was an exceptional year for Chara. He represented Slovakia in the Winter Olympics as well as signed with the Boston Bruins, where he was named team captain. His play has continued to improve in Boston, scoring a career high 51 points in the 2007-08 regular season and earning his second Norris Trophy nomination. Following the Bruins first round loss in the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Chara underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder on April 29, 2008.

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