Zdeno Chara

“I've been a really big fan of climbing. I really got into it when I watched the show 'Beyond the Limit' about climbing Mount Everest.”

“Everything you hear that people are losing as you get older, I want to be a step ahead of that.”

“I just enjoy every day, being with my teammates, going out to perform. I just love competing and I have an extreme passion for the sport.”

“You never want to feel so hungry that you'll put anything in your mouth.”

“Everything I put in my body has a purpose.”

“But there's no problem to lift before the game in the morning, then play the game at night.”

“I have so many people that I should be thanking, obviously starting with my parents. They did such a great job of raising me and so much was sacrificed for me to play hockey.”

“You don't go into a game thinking you might get hurt.”

“Sure, I've dealt with my own share of adversity as an outsider living in this country but I recognize my challenges were not made harder, or impossible, because of the color of my skin.”

“It's always an honor when you have people trying to pick your brain and ask your opinions. I like being that. I've always been one of those guys that likes to think.”

“We have to take better care of each other and respect each other. Equality must be a priority. Anything less is unacceptable.”

“I don't use the word 'rookie' because it just doesn't sound right. 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.”

“I remember climbing Mont Ventoux at the end of the day, and it was so, so hard. You have already three, four hours in your legs of cycling, and then you have to climb probably the hardest mountain on the course. And then you have to ride back to your car and pack up your stuff.”

“The great part, or the interesting part, is that when you stop eating something, you stop missing it.”

“To be honest with you, I try not to get caught up in the stats.”

“That's my goal: to be the best at whatever I do and the best I can be. I'm looking and searching for ways to improve.”

“First thing is first and let me be clear: I stand with the Black community. Black Lives Matter. There is no room in this world for racism. Period.”

“I think to have nine days without a game, that's something that does not always benefit a team.”

“I felt as you get older, you're trying to find ways to improve your well-being, functioning, and energy level.”

“I love Boston. I love the city. I think we have the best fans in the world.”