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Zdeno is the tallest player in NHL history. He made his
NHL debut at Joe Louis Arena on Nov. 19, 1997. Recorded a career-high
15 penalty minutes Apr. 4 vs. NY Rangers. Recorded his first
NHL point with an assist at NY Rangers on Apr. 15. Started the
season in Kentucky (AHL) and was recalled three times during
the course of the season, the last time on Mar. 9 for the remainder
of the season. Represented the World Team at the AHL All-Star
Game.
CAREER Juniors: 1996-97 was Zdeno's first season playing
in North America. He ended up second in penalty minutes with
Prince George (WHL). Suffered a broken left wrist Jan.11 at
Portland and missed the next 23 games. When he returned to the
lineup in late February. He then went on to finish first among
defensemen and fourth overall on the Cougars in playoff scoring.
PERSONAL Zdeno is single. His father, Zdenek, was a wrestler
on Czechoslovakia's 1976 Olympic Team. Zdeno was very involved
in the Long Island community this summer, He hosted the "Islander
For A Day" street hockey games at the homes of the contest
winners in Huntington and Massapequa.
"Question" Do you anticipate being challenged
by the "tough guys" of the league, and how do you
plan on handling it?
Zdeno: "Yes, I think they will come after me if I make
the Islanders because I'm a big guy. They did in junior because
I'm 6-8 and they thought maybe I do not know how to fight,
but I beat up almost everybody. My father was a wrestler in
the Olympics. He showed me how to fight. Fighting is just
one part of the game, but if I have to, I will defend myself
and stick up for my teammates."
| ZDENO CHARA
#3 (ZDEH-noh KHAH-rah) |
| Born: |
March 18, 1977 (Trencin, Slovakia) |
| Size: |
6'9, 255 lbs |
| Position: |
Defenseman |
| Shoots: |
Left |
| Resides: |
Trencin, Slovakia |
| Acquired: |
From NY Islanders with forward Bill Muckalt and the #2
overall 2001 draft selection (Jason Spezza) for Alexei Yashin
on 6/23/01 |
| Drafted: |
1996 - NY Islanders 3rd-round pick (56th overall) |
| Transactions: |
Traded to Ottawa by NY Islanders with forward Bill Muckalt
and the #2 overall draft selection (Jason Spezza) for Alexei
Yashin on 6/23/01. |
Last Amateur
Club & League: |
TREJ (SLOVJR), 1995-96 |
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