Leave Your Mark

Send us a textIn this episode of Leave Your Mark, I’m honoured to welcome one of the most iconic defenders in NHL history — Zdeno Chara.Zdeno, born in Slovakia, played 24 seasons in the National Hockey League with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals. Standing at 6'9", “Big Zee” is the tallest player ever to compete in the league — but his impact stretched far beyond physical stature.As Captain of the Boston Bruins for 14 seasons, Zdeno led with humility, discipline, and purpose. He won the Norris Trophy in 2009, appeared in three Stanley Cup Finals, and raised the Cup in 2011 — becoming one of only five European-born captains to ever do so. Over 1,600 NHL games, he built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and a relentless work ethic.Internationally, he represented Slovakia with pride, earning two silver medals at the World Championships. In 2022, he retired as a Boston Bruin and will have his number, 33, raised to the rafters in January 2026. Mos