Zdeno Chára is a Slovak former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played 24 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals between 1997 and 2022. Standing at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) tall, Chára is the tallest person ever to play in the NHL, earning him the nickname "Big Z".
Chára with the Boston Bruins in January 2012
Chara at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Chára during his tenure with the Ottawa Senators in January 2006
Chára (left), head coach Dave Lewis (center) and Phil Kessel (right) on Columbus Day with the crew of the USS Doyle, 2006.
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference, and play their home games at UBS Arena. The Islanders are one of three NHL franchises in the New York metropolitan area, along with the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers, and their fanbase resides primarily on Long Island.
William Shea played a major role in bringing a hockey team to Long Island.
Denis Potvin led the Islanders to playoff success in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mike Bossy was selected with the 15th overall pick in 1977 and became the third Islander to win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Before the 1980 playoffs, the Islanders acquired Butch Goring from the Los Angeles Kings. Goring's arrival was often called the "final piece of the puzzle."