New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots are currently enjoying some down time before training camp rolls around. While there may not be much happening in Foxboro, MA right now, that didn’t stop the team from sending Boston Bruins legend Zdeno Chara a message on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that Chara was set to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. The fact that Chara managed to make it into the Hall in his first year of eligibility was not a surprise to many folks.
Known for his tall frame (6-foot-9) and powerful slap shot, Chara manned the blue line for the Bruins for 14 seasons. While he spent time with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals, Chara’s best years came during his stint with Boston.
The giant Slovakian defender earned six of his seven All-Star selections during his time with the B’s, while also winning the Norris Trophy in 2009 and the Messier Trophy in 2011. The biggest accomplishment during his time in Boston, though, was the team’s Stanley Cup victory, which also came in 2011.
When Chara’s 24-year career eventually came to an end, it was clear he was a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. Sure enough, when the news came out on Tuesday, the Patriots congratulated Chara for his major accomplishment.
“Congrats to Bruins legend Zdeno Chara on his induction to the Hockey Hall Fame,” New England said in a post on X alongside a photo of Chara hoisting the Stanley Cup while wearing a Patriots jersey.
Chara finished his career having played in 1,680 games, which is the seventh most in NHL history. His 209 goals and 471 assists during his time on the ice may not seem like much, but combine that with his defensive impact, and you have the makings of one of the greatest defenders of all time.
The Patriots have had their own fair share of legends take the field for them, so they know just how much Chara means to Bruins Nation. Soon enough, they will hope a new era of legends can step up for them when they take the field in 2025.
