Bruins Retire Hall Of Famer Zdeno Chara’s No. 33

Key Takeaways:

• Zdeno Chara signed with the Boston Bruins in 2006.
• He originally wore No. 3, which was already retired by Boston.
• Instead, he chose No. 33 “without giving it much thought.”
• The number holds further significance because Larry Bird’s No. 33 also hangs in TD Garden.
• Chara reflected on the newly meaningful connection once he realized its importance.

The Journey to No. 33

When Zdeno Chara joined the Boston Bruins in 2006, his first inclination was to wear the No. 3 he had early in his career. Yet, upon arrival, he learned that this number had already been retired by the storied Original Six franchise. Seeking a new jersey, he selected No. 33 simply as a next best option, unaware of how symbolic it would become.

A Shared Iconic Number

Boston fans instantly recognized the significance when Chara took on 33. Larry Bird’s No. 33 already hung in the rafters for the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, and Chara soon found himself inadvertently connected to another beloved figure in the city’s sports pantheon.

Chara’s Reflections

“Little did I know how meaningful 33 was,” Chara said on Thursday night, just before his number was raised in a ceremony that left fans at TD Garden roaring. As his No. 33 ascended to the arena’s upper reaches, it joined Bird’s jersey, forever linking two of Boston’s most revered athletes.

Legacy in the Rafters

In recognizing Chara’s long tenure and leadership, the Bruins honored the defensive stalwart who captained them for many seasons. Positioned alongside Bird’s celebrated banner, Chara’s jersey now stands as a reminder of both his personal achievements and the larger tradition of excellence that defines Boston sports.