The Hockey Hall of Fame got a lot bigger Tuesday, as former Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara was elected in his first season of eligibility.

A one-time Norris Trophy winner (2009) and captain of the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, Chara finished with the most games ever played by a defensemen (1,680).

Internationally, Chara represented Slovakia at seven IIHF World Championships, taking home two silver medals, and three Olympic Games, including two where he served as team captain (2010, 2014). Chara was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in January 2025.