Date of Birth: March 18, 1977
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Biography
Zdeno Chára is a retired Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Chára is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL. He was born in Trenčín, Czechoslovakia, and began his professional career in Slovakia before making the jump to North America. Chára was drafted 56th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. Over his 24-season career, he played for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals. Most notably, he served as the captain of the Boston Bruins from 2006 to 2020 and led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011. Known for his strong physical presence, leadership, and defensive prowess, Chára won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2009. He was also named to multiple NHL All-Star Games and was a crucial part of the Bruins’ defensive core for over a decade. Off the ice, Chára is known for his charitable work and dedication to fitness and nutrition. He retired from professional hockey on September 20, 2022, after signing a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins to officially end his career with the team where he spent most of his professional life.
5 Interesting Facts about Zdeno Chara
1. Zdeno Chára holds the record for the hardest shot in the NHL, clocking in at 108.8 miles per hour during the 2012 NHL All-Star Skills Competition.
2. He is fluent in seven languages: Slovak, Czech, Polish, Swedish, Russian, German, and English.
3. Chára is an avid cyclist and has participated in multiple charity bike rides.
4. He became the second European-born and trained captain to win the Stanley Cup when the Bruins won in 2011.
5. Before pursuing a career in hockey, Chára initially considered becoming a professional basketball player due to his height.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Zdeno Chara
1. “It’s not always about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.”
2. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
3. “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does—that makes you a winner right there.”
4. “I’ve always tried to lead by example, on and off the ice.”
5. “You can’t control everything, but you can always control your effort.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Zdeno Chára is estimated to be around $50 million.
Children
Zdeno Chára has three children with his wife, Tatiana Biskupicova: a daughter named Elliz Victoria Chára, and twin boys, Ben and Zack Chára.
Relevant Links
1. [Zdeno Chára’s NHL Profile](https://www.nhl.com/player/zdeno-chara-8465009
3. [Zdeno Chára’s Career Statistics](https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/charaze01.html
4. [Zdeno Chára’s Charity Work](https://www.bostonbruins.com/community/chara-charitable-efforts
