Don't look now, but Zdeno Chara has his sights set on a new sport

For a lot of NHL players, when they hang up the skates for kid they choose the good life.

After years of staying in shape, beating their bodies into submission and relying on doctors and trainers to patch them up each and every day, you can't blame guys for kicking up their feet in retirement. Hell, if I were lucky enough to retire with millions in my mid to late 30s, I'd probably spend the majority of my day poolside with an assortment of adult beverages nearby.

Zdeno Chara though... he's built differently. Literally and figuratively.

The former Boston Bruins captain and Stanley Cup champion announced this past weekend that he'll be running his very first marathon next month at the world famous Boston Marathon.

From Chara's Instagram account:

EXCITING NEWS! I’m so happy to announce that I am running my very first marathon, and what better first marathon than the Boston Marathon on April 17th! In addition, I’m running to support The Thomas E. Smith Foundation & The Hoyt Foundation. Dick and Rick Hoyt made an incredible impact on millions of people worldwide and personally helped to motivate us to our 2011 Stanley Cup Championship. The Hoyt Foundation has an amazing legacy with the B.A.A. and this iconic marathon. Tom Smith is one of the most resilient and inspiring stories. With his passion and dedication, his foundation continuously helps those affected by and living with paralysis. If you’d like to make a contribution to The Hoyt Foundation & The Thomas E. Smith Foundation, please click the donation link in my bio. Hope to see you along the course, come cheer us on!

- Zdeno Chara

Dick Hoyt, a world renowned Boston Marathon runner who passed away in 2021 at 80 years old, pushed his son Rick in his wheelchair dozens of times and evidently has inspired Chara to carry on his legacy. Chara even goes so far as to say that the Hoyts inspired the Bruins to their 2011 Stanley Cup championship.