History of Zdeno Chára in Timeline

Zdeno Chára, a Slovak former professional ice hockey defenceman, played 24 seasons in the NHL for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals, spanning from 1997 to 2022. His remarkable height of 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) earned him the nickname "Big Z" and distinguished him as the tallest player in NHL history. Chára is most known for his time with the Boston Bruins, serving as captain for 14 seasons and leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011.

March 1977: Birth of Zdeno Chára

Zdeno Chára was born in March 1977 in Trenčín, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia).

1995: Passed over in NHL Draft

Zdeno Chára was not drafted in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

1996: Drafted by Islanders

Zdeno Chára was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.

1997: Celtics' Heroes Among Us Award Established

The Celtics' Heroes Among Us award, which Chára received, was established in 1997.

1997: NHL Debut

Zdeno Chára made his NHL debut in 1997 with the New York Islanders.

1999: Represents Slovakia in World Championships

In 1999, Chára began representing Slovakia in international tournaments, playing in the World Championships.

2000: Wins Silver Medal at World Championships

Chára won a silver medal at the World Championships in 2000.

2001: Represents Slovakia in World Championships

In 2001, Chára played for Slovakia in the World Championships.

2001: Career Highs with Senators

In his first season with Ottawa in 2001-2002, Chára set career highs in goals and points.

2001: Traded to Senators

Zdeno Chára was traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2001 as part of a deal for Alexei Yashin.

2002: First All-Star Game Appearance

Chára played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2002-2003 and had the second-hardest shot.

2003: Norris Trophy Nomination

Chára received his first Norris Trophy nomination in the 2003-2004 season and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team.

2004: Represents Slovakia in World Championships and World Cup of Hockey

Chára represented Slovakia in both the World Championships and the World Cup of Hockey in 2004.

2004: Plays in Sweden During Lockout

During the 2004-2005 NHL lockout, Chára played in the Swedish Elitserien for Färjestad BK.

2005: Becomes Free Agent

Chára became an unrestricted free agent after the 2005-2006 season.

2005: Represents Slovakia in World Championships

In 2005, Chára played for Slovakia in the World Championships.

July 2006: Signs with Bruins

Chára signed a five-year contract with the Boston Bruins in July 2006 and was named team captain.

2006: Represents Slovakia in the Olympics

In 2006, Chára played for Slovakia in the Winter Olympics.

2006: Becomes Bruins Captain

Zdeno Chára was named captain of the Boston Bruins in 2006.

July 2007: Marries Tatiana Biskupicová

Chára married his long-time girlfriend Tatiana Biskupicová in July 2007 in Slovakia.

2007: All-Star Game and Hardest Shot

Chára played in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game and won the hardest shot competition.

2007: Represents Slovakia in World Championships

Chára represented Slovakia in the World Championships in 2007.

2007: All-Star Game Starter

Chára was voted a starter for the 2008 NHL All-Star Game.

March 2008: Shoulder Injury

Chára suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder in March 2008.

July 2008: Supports Right To Play in Africa

In July 2008, Chára spent two weeks in Africa supporting Right To Play, visiting Mozambique and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Robyn Regehr.

April 2009: Birth of Daughter, Elliz Victoria

Chára's daughter, Elliz Victoria, was born in April 2009 in Boston.

2009: Norris Trophy Winner

Zdeno Chára won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman in 2009.

2010: Represents Slovakia in the Olympics

Chára represented Slovakia in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

2011: Stanley Cup Champion

Zdeno Chára captained the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup championship in 2011.

2012: Captains Slovakia to Silver Medal at World Championships

Chára captained Slovakia to a silver medal at the 2012 World Championships.

2013: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

The Boston Bruins, captained by Zdeno Chára, reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2013.

2014: Represents Slovakia in the Olympics

Chára played for Slovakia in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

2014: Serves as Flag Bearer for Slovakia at Olympics

During the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, Chára served as the flag bearer for Slovakia.

2015: Receives Real Estate License and Financial Planning Diploma

In 2015, Chára obtained a real estate license in Massachusetts and holds a financial planning diploma from Algonquin College.

March 2016: Birth of Twin Sons, Zack and Ben

Chára's twin sons, Zack and Ben, were born in March 2016 in Boston.

2016: Represents Team Europe in the World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, Chára competed in the World Cup of Hockey as a member of Team Europe.

2019: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

The Boston Bruins, captained by Zdeno Chára, reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2019.

2020: Named to IIHF All-Time Slovakia Team

Chára was named to the IIHF All-Time Slovakia Team in 2020.

September 2021: Signs with New York Islanders

In September 2021, Zdeno Chára signed a one-year contract with the New York Islanders.

February 2022: Breaks NHL Record for Games Played by a Defenceman

On February 24, 2022, Chára played his 1,652nd NHL game, surpassing Chris Chelios' record. He was also a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

September 2022: Retires from Professional Hockey

Chára announced his retirement from professional hockey in September 2022 and signed a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins to retire as a member of the team.