The Hardest Shot Ever Recorded in Modern Hockey History

In the world of professional hockey, there are moments that transcend the game, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history. One such moment occurred during the NHL All-Star Skills Competition in 2012 when Zdeno Chara, the towering defenseman, unleashed a slap shot that shattered records and forever etched his name in the annals of hockey greatness.

Meet the Titan

Zdeno Chara Standing at a towering 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm), Zdeno Chara is not only one of the tallest players to ever grace the NHL but also one of the most fearsome. Known for his extraordinary reach and physical presence, Chara has long been a force to be reckoned with on the ice. But it was his blistering slap shot that would truly define his legacy.

The Record-Breaking Blast The year was 2012, and the NHL's finest were gathered in Ottawa for the annual All-Star Weekend. The hardest shot competition was always a crowd favorite, and Chara, representing the Boston Bruins, was no stranger to it. What unfolded, however, was beyond anyone's wildest expectations.

Chara, with his uniquely long stick and immense power, stepped up to the plate. The tension in the arena was palpable as he wound up for his shot. When the puck left his stick, it was like a cannon had been unleashed. The radar gun registered an astonishing speed of 108.8 miles per hour (175.1 kilometers per hour). The crowd erupted in awe, and even Chara himself couldn't believe what he had just accomplished.

A Legacy of Power

Chara's record-breaking slap shot shattered the previous record set by Al Iafrate in 1993. It showcased the evolution of the game, where players were becoming bigger, stronger, and faster. But it wasn't just Chara's physical attributes that contributed to his remarkable shot; it was also his dedication, precision, and relentless work ethic.

Here are the top ten hardest shots ever recorded:

#	Player	Year	Speed
1.	Zdeno Chara	2012	108.8 mph (175.1 km/h)
2.	Shea Weber	2015	108.1 mph (174.0 km/h)
3.	Al Iafrate	1993	105.2 mph (169.3 km/h)
4.	Elias Petterson	2023	103.2 mph (166.08 km/h)
5.	Victor Hedman	2022	103.2 mph (166.08 km/h)
6.	John Carlson	2019	102.8 mph (165.44 km/h)
7.	Sheldon Souray & Adrian Aucoin	2004	102.2 mph (164.47 km/h)
8.	Fredrik Modin	2001	102.1 mph (164.31 km/h)
9.	Oliver Ekman-Larsson	2015	102.2 mph (164.6 km/h)
10.	Sergei Fedorov	2002	101.5 mph (163.35 km/h)

 

The Legacy Lives On

While records are made to be broken, Zdeno Chara's monumental shot remains a testament to the extraordinary talent and determination that define the world of professional hockey. His legacy continues to inspire players of all ages, reminding them that with hard work and determination, the seemingly impossible can become a reality.

As we marvel at the incredible moments that unfold on the ice, we can't help but be grateful for players like Zdeno Chara, who push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport of hockey. His record-breaking slap shot is not just a number on a scoreboard; it's a symbol of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the heart and soul of hockey.

Meet the Player: Zdeno Chara

We spoke with Zdeno Chara about his record.

To unleash such a blistering slapshot, the stick has to withold an incredible force. What kind of stick have you used to break the record and why (flex, lie, brand)?

I used a Warrior stick , flex 155. My flex numbering was the lower the number the stiffness went higher.

Your record breaking shots all flew very low, just a few inches off the ice. Was this a coincidence, or did you aim your shots low on purpose?

I didn’t focus to shoot to any specific area even though there is a certain probability that if you shoot into the lower part of the net you can get better results. I knew that if I get a good shot into the middle of the net I would have a good chance to push my previous record higher.

You were known to remove the tape from the bottom of your blade with a razor, in later stages you actually stopped using tape on your stick and switched to Rezztek®. Why did you prefer no tape on the bottom of your blade?

I just didn’t like any frictions on the bottom of my blade that was crested by taping. So when Rezztek® came to the market I like it from that point and also because it felt very consistent.

The record slapshot stands at 108.8 miles per hour. Were you ever able to shoot even harder than that outside of the official all-star game?

Well I was shooting a commercial on the ice for something and I was shooting slap shots the same way as at the all-star game and someone brought a speed clock for fun. One of the shots clocked at 110mph but not sure how accurate that was.

If you were to give just one piece of advice for hockey players trying to shoot as hard as they can – what would it be?

Shoot , shoot , shoot .. practice makes it better.