Zdeno Chara’s journey in hockey started in Long Island, took him to Ottawa and he finished his estimable career in Washington and finally back where it started on the Island.
But it was here in Boston, where he spent 14 years with the Bruins, that he cemented his legend. And while he did not give any of his stops in the NHL short shrift, his time in Boston, where he won a Stanley Cup and a Norris Trophy, unsurprisingly stood out in his Hockey Hall of Fame induction speech on Monday night.
It was where he became an HHOFer, and he showed his appreciation in his speech,
“Mr. Jeremy Jacobs, Charlie Jacobs and the entire organization welcomed me and trusted me with the responsibility of leading one of the most iconic Original Six franchises,” said Chara. “I want to thank (former Bruin GM) Peter Chiarelli for believing in me from Day One and giving the opportunity to step into that leadership role. When I joined the Boston Bruins in 2006, I became part of a team built on character, identity and toughness. These values were shaped by legends before me – Milt Schmidt, John Bucyk, Eddie Shore, Bobby Orr, Terry O’Reilly, Cam Neely, Ray Bourque, Don Sweeney and so many others.”
It was a ceremony that was heavily accented with Boston hockey. Also inducted were Boston University coach Jack Parker, former Bruin captain Joe Thornton, former Harvard star and Canadian National team legend Jennifer Botterill and Team USA and former Boston Blades and Boston Pride player Brianna Decker. Chicago Blackhawk Duncan Keith and Buffalo Sabres/Vancouver Canucks/New Jersey Devils/Toronto Maple Leaf star Alexander Mogilny were also inducted. Canadian women’s team coach Daniele Sauvageau also went into the Hall in the builder’s category with Parker.
Introduced by his idol Detroit Red Wings great Nicklas Lidstrom, Chara spoke about how special it was to be part of the team that ended the Bruins’ 39-year Cup drought in 2011.
“Being named captain was a tremendous honor. I was incredibly proud to lead such an amazing group of teammates to the 2011 Stanley Cup championship,” said Chara. “We all wanted the same thing. We battled along with each other for months and we knew we had the team to do so. We had a very tight group of players in that room, a bunch of guys who didn’t want to disappoint their teammates. We wanted to go hard each and every night. I can tell you, everyone on that Bruins’ team knew their role. We had a very, very special team. We stuck up for each other, played for each other, sacrificed our bodies and refused to let the bench down. We had a great relationship with each other, but also a great relationship with our fans. And Boston loves their Bruins. So thank you, fans.”
Chara ran down the litany teammates on that squad – Mark Recchi, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Andrew Ference, Chris Kelly, Shawn Thornton and more.
But he gave a special thanks to Patrice Bergeron.
“One of the greatest leaders and people I have ever met and played with. My longest teammate, my co-captain, Bergy, I could always count on you,” said Chara. “You showed me and helped me to become a better leader, player and, more importantly, a better person.”
On a personal note, Chara thanked his parents, Veronika and Zdenek, an Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler and Zdeno’s first coach.
And he gave a heartfelt thanks to his wife Tatiana.
“You allowed me to chase this career for so many years,” said Chara. “While I selfishly rested before the next workout, the next game or after long travels, you were the one doing everything at home. You are the reason I’m standing here tonight. This honor is more yours than mine. I was the physically playing the sport I love, but you are the heart and soul of our family, the one who kept everything moving forward and you gave us the greatest gift of all, our three beautiful children, Elliz, Ben and Zack.”
Chara’s career spanned almost two and half decades, beginning while Wayne Gretzky was still playing and ending in the age of David Pastrnak. As much as he left his mark on the game, it left its mark on him.
“I gave everything I had to this game and it gave me more than I could have ever imagined. I am forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Chara. “Hockey is and will always be the greatest game.”
*Parker, meanwhile, flashed his usual sense of humor and humility.
“This is an incredible honor, beyond the scope of my imagination, to tell you the truth,” said Parker. “I also congratulate my fellow inductees. I’m sitting with you guys wondering what I’m doing here.”
Parker recalled growing up in hoops-mad Somerville wanting to be a basketball player until his twin brother Bob, who died a year and half ago, decided to go a different route into hockey. Jack followed suit, taking up the sport and playing at Catholic Memorial and then Boston University, under coach Jack Kelley, whom he called the most important person in his life outside of his family.
He described his coaching career as accidental. He was named head coach when he was 27 years old in 1973 after Leon Abbott was fired. Two days later, he got a call from Kelley, who ad moved on to the Whalers of the then-WHA.
“I said ‘I know one thing about this. I will not stay on this job for 10 years like you did,” said Parker. “And I was right. I stayed 40.”
He owed his success and longevity to the university, which always wanted to be competitive in hockey and gave him the tools to be so, his many assistants over the years and, of course, the players.
“We always had a philosophy, You want to win, get off the bus with the best players. And we got off the bus most of the time with the best players,” said Parker. “Terrific college hockey players. Lots that went on to play in the NHL, lots that went on to the Olympics. And the guys who didn’t go that far were still terrific in their roles at Boston University.”
*Thornton was the first overall pick of the Bruins in 1997 and grew into a star here before being traded to San Jose in a shocking trade in 2005. He would be known more as a Shark than a Bruin in the end, but his years in Boston were importantly formative.
“I remember how strong the Bruins’ alumni was and how I was instantly accepted by them. Bobby Orr, Wayne Cashman, Gerry Cheevers, Ken Hodge, Derek Sanderson and Tommy Johnson. Everyone was just so kind to me. They golfed with me, had lunch with me, taught me how to be a man. Wayne Cashman, we still talk weekly, and it’s always the highlight of my week. I love you,” said Thornton, smiling through his tears throughout his speech. “But there was no one bigger in my time with the Bruins than Johnny Bucyk. As a young kid, 18 years old, the Chief really took me under his wing and he helped me through my first few years. Chiefer, you taught me how to give back to the game that I love.”
