Chara to carry Slovakian flag during ceremonies, will miss one game

Photo via sportsillustrated.cnn.com

     The big man has received an even bigger honor. Bruins captain Zdeno Chara has been selected to carry the Slovakian flag for his home country at the Olympic opening ceremonies. Head Coach Claude Julien confirmed that Chara is expected to miss at least one game.

“He talked to us about that, came to Peter and I and addressed it,” Claude said. “Peter approved it and [he] certainly [had] my support. When you look at what he’s done with this club, I think it’s an easy decision to make. You’re carrying your country’s flag at the Olympics and, and even if he misses a game, maybe two, I think that’s the least we can do for a guy who’s given us so much since he’s been here."

      The ceremonies, which will be taking place on February 7th (in Sochi, Russia), lie in the middle of two Bruins games: in St. Louis to face the Blues on the 6th, and then back home to host the Senators on the 8th.

     Slovakia will face off with the U.S. on February 13th, for both teams' openers.

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Follow Cam Hasbrouck on Twitter @CamHasbrouck and Bruins Life @BruinsLife

source:
DJ. "Zdeno Chara to Leave Bruins Early to Carry Slovakia’s Flag in Olympics." Big Bad Blog RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.