Meet the team.

Zdeno Chara

Zdeno Chara is a legend. He played 24 seasons in the NHL and served as captain of the Boston Bruins for 14 years. He won the 2009 Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman, led Boston to the 2011 Stanley Cup, and earned the 2011 Mark Messier Leadership Award. A six-time NHL All-Star, flag bearer for Slovakia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and holder of the record for most games played by a defenseman, Zdeno was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2025. He is widely recognized as one of the NHL’s greatest players, leaders, and competitors.

Giving back to the community has always been central to Zdeno’s career. Shortly after retiring in 2022, he met TESF co-founder Thomas Smith at the Annual NHL Alumni Game. Inspired by Thomas’ journey and TESF’s mission, he then ran the 2023 and 2024 Boston Marathons to raise funds and awareness on behalf of TESF. In 2023, TESF established the Zdeno Chara Paralysis Grant, awarded each year to an individual and family living with paralysis. His leadership, commitment, and drive led him to join the TESF’s Advisory Board of Directors in May 2025.