Zdeno Chara Reveals Why He Never Breaks His Stand up Character Regarding Rookies

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Austin Sabourin
June 5, 2023 (6:29)

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Zdeno Chara, one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history, retired after a remarkable 24-season career that began in the 90s. With an impressive 1,680 NHL games under his belt, Chara's longevity and popularity are unmatched.

While Chara accumulated 680 points throughout his career, his defensive skills were his standout attribute. Additionally, his calm demeanour and exceptional leadership in the locker room made him an invaluable asset to his team.

Notably, Chara stood out for his treatment of rookies, reflecting his own experiences as a young player who faced bullying. In an effort to create a positive team environment, he eliminated the traditional rookie ritual of a solo lap before games, which many teams implement. Instead, Chara referred to rookies as "first-year players" to foster inclusivity and support their development.

«I don't use the word �rookie' because it just doesn't sound right,» Chara said. «Little things go a long way and make a big difference for these young men who are trying to stay and establish themselves in the league. If we can help them out in any way, then that's great.»Zdeno Chara always believed in treating everybody on the team as equals.

According to Chara, treating everyone on the team as equals is essential for success both on and off the ice. He believed in maintaining a standard of respect and fairness, avoiding any form of discrimination or bias.

«How can you expect something out of a young player on the ice when you treat him differently off the ice?» Chara said. «I believe in certain acts or behaviors, and it's a standard for me that we're not going to be using anything against anyone.»

Chara's actions and beliefs exemplify his commitment to creating a supportive and cohesive team environment, showing that small gestures can have a significant impact on young players trying to establish themselves in the league.