Zdeno Chara retires

[Por_sha911]

Signed a 1 day contract with the Bruins and then retired.

Most of you don't know/don't care. To those who love hockey and/or the Bruins he is a living legend.

24 career seasons - last played at 44 years old - almost impossible to do
209 goals / 471 assists
Plus 301 rating (a huge number for defenseman)
Holds the record for the most games played by a defenseman 1680
Captain of the Bruins 14 years
Lead the Bs to a Stanley Cup win
7 times All Star
Mark Messier Leadership Award winner
Known for a passion for philanthropy
Has the fastest slapshot in recorded history 108.8 MPH

Is called "the tallest NHL player in captivity" at 6'9''

Feared by many, respected by almost all players

[stomachmonkey]

Islander fans here so of course we care.

[rattlsnak]

Great player/person!

[billybek]

Very rarely saw him angry on the ice. He could rag doll the average 200 pound opponent when he was pissed off.
Well deserved kudos.

[rfuerst911sc]

Congratulations on a great career and best wishes for the future .

[flatbutt]

Now that's a retirement game I'd love to attend. As a fan of the game, I say, "thank you and Bon chance", as an opponent I say " finally"!

[Por_sha911]

I don't think he is playing a game but was hired for 1 day so he can retire as a Bruin.
I am positive there will be a ceremony at a home game (maybe the first one?) and I look forward to seeing #33 up in the rafters.

[911 Rod]

One of the best players of our generation.

[Por_sha911]

You didn't want to poke the bear. If you gave a cheap shot to another Bruin or made Chara mad, it didn't end well for you.

[Por_sha911]

Most times when people came after him, he just laughed.

[Reg]

I saw him play the sabres a few years ago. He threw one of them Into the boards like he were a rag doll. Behind the play too. His legs seemed as high as the boards. Being a Leaf fan was tough as his Bruins certainly beat up on Toronto over the years. What a run the big Z had.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Most times when people came after him, he just laughed.

He had the wingspan of a condor.

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by Reg

Being a Leaf fan was tough as his Bruins certainly beat up on Toronto over the years.

My condolences for being a Leaf fan. They have either missed the playoff or not made it past the first round of playoffs since 2004. I think that Z was the last active player to have lost to the Leafs in the playoffs. I even have a friend who is a Habs fan and even he feels bad for you guys.

Some of "Chara's Greatest Hits":




and here's one many of you will enjoy

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

and here's one many of you will enjoy

A good hit, perfectly placed shoulder with elbow down, and at his height/weight/strength it would have been a tooth shaker.