The Boston Bruins retired No. 33 on Thursday ahead of the team’s game against the Seattle Kraken, honoring former captain Zdeno Chara.
Chara spent 14 years in Boston, all as captain, and led the Bruins to their most recent Stanley Cup in 2011.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame last year.
Chara is the 13th player in franchise history to have his number retired.
His No. 33 now hangs alongside Raymond Bourque’s No. 77, which was retired in 2001.
During the ceremony, Chara said it felt special to be back in Boston.
“I’m blown away. It feels surreal, but I’ll tell you, I feel so good to be on the ice again,” Chara said.
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He added that signing with the Bruins in 2006 was the best decision he ever made.
Bruins fans saluted Big Zee, thanking him for all he’s done for the team.
“I was very close to getting emotional, especially when the fans started chanting thank you. I almost cried down there. I was very close,” Chara said.
Members of the 2011 Stanley Cup carried the banner onto the ice, and Chara’s children raised it into the rafters at TD Garden.
Despite Chara’s number being retired, his work continues with the Bruins as an advisor and a mentor.