Ivo
Registered User
The Bruins captain turns 40 today! What a career he's had.
Rejected by his junior team in Slovakia (they told him to try basketball), he didn't give up and got a chance in the Czech Republic to play for Sparta Prague. Drafted by the Islanders, he crossed the Atlantic and played for Prince George Cougars for a season in the WHL.
He made the Islanders roster not long after, and steadily made a place for himself in the NHL.
In 2001, he was traded with a pick that became Jason Spezza for Alexei Yashin to the Ottawa Senators. In Ottawa he became a star defenseman.
On July 1st 2006, Chara signed with the Bruins and thus began his illustrious career in Boston.
He is serving as captain for his 11th season, was awarded the Norris Trophy in 2009, lead the team to the ultimate prize in 2011 and remains a key player to the team at age 40.
Chara proudly represented his country at 4 Olympic games and helped Slovakia win 2 silver medals at the IIHF World Championships.
Happy birthday Big Z!
Rejected by his junior team in Slovakia (they told him to try basketball), he didn't give up and got a chance in the Czech Republic to play for Sparta Prague. Drafted by the Islanders, he crossed the Atlantic and played for Prince George Cougars for a season in the WHL.
He made the Islanders roster not long after, and steadily made a place for himself in the NHL.
In 2001, he was traded with a pick that became Jason Spezza for Alexei Yashin to the Ottawa Senators. In Ottawa he became a star defenseman.
On July 1st 2006, Chara signed with the Bruins and thus began his illustrious career in Boston.
He is serving as captain for his 11th season, was awarded the Norris Trophy in 2009, lead the team to the ultimate prize in 2011 and remains a key player to the team at age 40.
Chara proudly represented his country at 4 Olympic games and helped Slovakia win 2 silver medals at the IIHF World Championships.
Happy birthday Big Z!