Overview
- The jersey retirement will take place pregame at TD Garden before Boston hosts the Seattle Kraken on Jan. 15, 2026, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.
- Chara’s No. 33 becomes the 13th number retired by the Bruins and the first ever for a European-born player in franchise history.
- The announcement follows Chara’s late-September return to the organization as a hockey operations adviser and mentor, linking his legacy to a current role.
- Chara addressed reporters Tuesday at TD Garden, calling the recognition a surprise and a “huge honor” after thanking the organization, teammates, fans, and family.
- The 6-foot-9 defenseman captained Boston for 14 seasons, won the 2009 Norris Trophy and the 2011 Stanley Cup, logged 1,023 games as a Bruin, and holds the NHL record 1,680 games for a defenseman; his Hall of Fame induction is slated for November 2025.