It was quite a week for legendary defenseman Zdeno Chára back home in his native Slovakia. Last Wednesday, he was inducted into the Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame, and then on Friday he announced that he’s planning a farewell game for the second half of August 2026, which will be played in his hometown of Trenčín and feature many former NHL teammates and opponents. The first confirmed guest at Chára’s farewell is David Pastrňák.
The original Slovak interview first appeared at Denník Šport.
What will your farewell game look like?
“I would like it to be a nice event, but we are definitely not going to compete with Marian Hossa, who had the better game. I am looking forward to it, and we’ll gradually reveal who will play and what it will look like.”
What does it mean to you that it will be at Pavol Demitra Arena?
“I come from Trenčín, I was born here, I grew up in this city. It was the first rink that I stepped on the ice. It will also be the ice I leave behind. There is a connection and history. In addition, the arena is undergoing a beautiful renovation and will be even more beautiful.”
You can choose from a huge number of players. Will it be difficult to determine who will come?
“First of all, I will respect everyone’s decision. The players have their families. I am aware that they will spend a lot of time traveling during the season and if they want to spend time with their family or get some medical treatment, I respect that. I will not put pressure on anyone. If they come, I’ll be very grateful. I have an idea of who to invite.”
Will you be asking the players yourself?
“Of course, yes. I’ll speak to each player personally. That’s the right and proper way.”
Pastrňák was the first to agree, and during the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, when you dropped the puck at the ceremonial face-off, you could see how the American players looked up to you. What does it mean to you that you are a role model for the younger generation?
“I appreciate it very much and I’m grateful for it. I realize that I was one of them when I went to watch Dukla Trenčín and admired Pavol Demitra, Vladimír Růžička and Róbert Švehla. They were role models for us. I also looked for players overseas who I wanted to emulate in my career. It motivated me a lot and now, when I can be a role model, an inspiration for someone, it makes me happy. I take it modestly. It’s an honor.”
USA Ends 20-Year Hlinka Drought
Both
teams had only won this tournament once in their history, but,
despite never sending what is considered their best U-18 team –
something the players get tired of hearing about – the USA won the
August tournament for the first time since 2003.
You will be entering the Hockey Hall of Fame in November. Have you already thought about who you would like to induct you there?
“I don’t know if it’s the Hall of Fame representatives or me who decides. So far I only have a date, which will be the second week of November in Toronto. It’s going to be a big event. I’m really looking forward to it – it’s the pinnacle of what you can achieve in your career.”
If you could choose anybody, who would it be?
“There are so many names out there, I’m not going to make a mistake with anyone. Everyone deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. There’s no bad choice. I’m humble about that. I’ll be grateful. If I can say anything, maybe it’ll be a mix of younger and older players.”
Who was your idol in your teenage years?
“It was hard to watch the NHL back then. The first game I saw was in 1992, when Pittsburgh played in the finals against Chicago. Up until then, I was a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, an incredible athlete in whom I saw immense competitiveness. He wanted to win at all costs and I admired that. With Chicago, he dominated the NBA.”
You’ve already indicated that you have an offer from the Boston Bruins. Can you say more about that?
“I have an offer, we have a preliminary agreement and we’re finalizing the details, but it’s not yet specified exactly. I’m determined to help where needed. I really enjoy communicating with the players, when I can discuss situations with them and advise them. I also enjoy learning from the coaches and management. Last season, I was quite behind the scenes and it’s different from what you see as a player. Hockey players don’t realize how many difficult decisions need to be made for the club to progress and try to improve.”
Slovakia Quarter-Century Teams Unveiled: Gárborík, Hossa, Chára Et Al
In the spirit of the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-quarter-century-teams-tracker-each-franchises-best-players-since-2000">NHL
announcing quarter-century teams for each of its 30 franchises that
have played since 2000</a>, I thought I’d try a similar exercise by
country – first and second teams. It’s not limited to NHL
performance, although that carries a lot of weight. International
play for the country also weighs heavily. To be eligible, a player
needn’t have necessarily played for the country at a major
tournament, but he had (or has) to be eligible.
Are you tempted to reach the level of general manager of an NHL club?
"I don’t dream of being a general manager, nor do I have such ambitions. I want to devote time to my family, especially my boys who play hockey. It’s nice to be able to help with advice and opinions, but as a manager, you are 100 percent committed to the club.
“There are no days off. You live with the club from morning to night and you have to decide on a million things. I don’t have the time or the experience for that. You have to get there, learn a lot and work your way up the ladder. I wouldn’t like to have a place just for the experience of a playing career. If you don’t do it honestly and don’t get there that way, you’ll be out very quickly.”
How about a position with the Slovak national team?
“It’s not appealing and it’s also something I would have to do in Slovakia. We live in America.”
After your career, you’ve run marathons and triathlons. Do you still have enough strength for that?
“I enjoy it. I’ve found satisfaction and joy in it. A lot of people ask me why I do it, that it has to hurt. Everything hurts and is strenuous when we do it properly. I find it fulfilling that I can do three sports like this, combine them into one and advance my performance.”
Do you miss hockey?
“I miss it when I don’t watch it for a long time. I watch it regularly during the season, especially the Bruins, but also Dukla Trenčín and the Slovak Extraliga. However, I don’t miss it in terms of playing. I don’t have time for games. It doesn’t even fulfill me anymore.”
Your good friend Brad Marchand won the Stanley Cup with Florida. Were you following that?
“Yes, we were in touch. I was very happy that he did it. He had a fantastic playoff run, he was a key player in key moments. Thanks to him, the Panthers won the Stanley Cup. His experience showed and it was visible. He was able to play great on the third line – he found the right role. He signed a new long-term contract and I hope he lasts as long as possible. The facilities in Florida are amazing and it’s completely different from what it used to be. It’s one of the best markets in the USA.”
INTERVIEW: David Pastrňák Looking Forward To First Game Against Marchand
David Pastrňák
spends
his summers in Europe – he, his
Swedish wife and their daughter split their time between Sweden
and his home country in Czechia.