Chara: “It’s a tremendous honour”

When you talk about figures who “loom large” in international and NHL history, Zdeno Chara inescapably comes to mind – both physically and metaphorically.

Now 48, the legendary 205-cm defenceman from Trencin, Slovakia played at more than 115 kg at his peak.  But he brought skill, intensity, and great people skills as well as size to the table. The three-time Olympian’s 2025 induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame reflects his massive contributions, including two IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship silver medals (2000, 2012) in six tournaments. From 1997-98 to 2021-22, Chara played a whopping 1,680 NHL games – an all-time record for blueliners – with four clubs, captaining the Boston Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup and winning the 2012 Norris Trophy.

IIHF.com caught up with “Big Zee” after the induction ceremonies in Stockholm.

On his feelings about being inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame

It’s a tremendous honour and privilege, and I’m so grateful. It’s hard to really honestly describe it in words. There’s so much behind it and so many people to thank, too, teammates and coaches. I’m trying to gather all the feelings and thoughts. It’s about calming my mind and just being grateful for this induction and this recognition. You don’t play hockey because of that, you just try to be the best you can.

There are some wins, some losses, some great memories. This is recognition you’re earning, not something you’re winning. So I wouldn’t be accepting this if I didn’t have people that were with me, supporting me and always behind me over the past 30 years.

On what comes to mind at a special time like this

It’s honestly the first moments I started playing hockey in my youth, how it all started, and how it all felt when I played. Those memories of skating at the rink in the dark or playing outdoor hockey with my friends. These little things, like learning how to lift the puck when you shot, when you learned how to stop on your skates. You reflect so much more on what the game is all about.

People always think it’s about winning and trophies and medals and Stanley Cups, but when you’re getting this type of recognition, you’re looking back what is actually happening to you as a human being while you’re proceeding to these milestones and goals. How you’re growing, how you’re changing, how you’re becoming a man, a human being. That’s what I’m looking at – what it really meant.

On winning Slovakia’s first medal in…