One of the biggest and most notable players to ever play for the Prince George Cougars has retired from the NHL after 24 seasons.
Today (Tuesday), Zdeno Chara signed a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins, capping off a storied career that resulted in a Stanley Cup title with the B’s in 2011.
Zdeno, your arrival in Boston kickstarted an era to remember. Your unparalleled leadership, commitment, and character shaped a culture that will carry on.
Thank you for everything you have done for our team, our organization, our city, and our game.
Congratulations, Big Zee! pic.twitter.com/eaMNnx4K6V
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 20, 2022
Chara was originally drafted in the 3rd round (56th overall) by the New York Islanders in the 1996 NHL Draft.
After spending the first four years of his career on Long Island, he was dealt to the Ottawa Senators during the 2001 NHL Draft in a deal that sent involved enigmatic forward Alexei Yashin to the Isles.
In the summer of 2006, Chara signed with the Bruins as a free agent – a place he would call home for the next 14 seasons.
Chara spent the last two years of his career with the Washington Capitals (2020-21) and the Islanders (2021-22).
The 45-year-old Slovakian suited up in 1,680 career regular season games registering 680 points and just under 21 hundred penalty minutes.
Chara also suited up for Slovakia on ten occasions on the world stage including three Olympic games (2006, 2010, 2014).
In his only season with the Cougars in 1996-97, Chara amassed 22 points and 120 penalty minutes.
The Cats went on a magical playoff run that spring upsetting the heavily-favored Portland Winterhawks in six games during round one.
From there, the Cougars swept Spokane in the second round and then bowed out to the Seattle Thunderbirds in six games.
The way it should B. pic.twitter.com/dzJX93mGKo
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 20, 2022
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
