If Cosmo, People and US magazines are to be believed, 50 is the new 40 which, in turn, is the new 30, then at 46-years old, Detroit Red Wings’ Chris Chelios is the new 23.
As in, 23 post-season appearances in the speedier, harder-hitting, mentally and physically punishing NHL—an accomplishment to be applauded.
It's also a record.
When Chelios strapped on the skates and hit the ice in Saturday's matchup against the Nashville Predators, it was his 248th playoff game, surpassing that of Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy who was minding the store for both the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche during several playoff marathons.
Interestingly enough, both Chelios and Roy each won their first Stanley Cup ring playing together for the '86 Habs.
From Montreal to Chicago to Detroit, Chelios is one of the class acts of the hockey world, a true hockey journeyman who still plays the game like he did when he was a rookie, albeit a little slower.
His off-season conditioning and training regimen is, according to some, a grueling affair that helps him keep up with the game season after season.
What's more incredible is he’s showing no sign of slowing down. In terms of the oldest players still stick-handling in the NHL, he is second only to Gordie Howe, aka Mr. Hockey, who was still skating at 52.
Chelios has apparently said he'd like Howe to keep that record, meaning we could see Chelios playing for another five seasons, barring a crippling injury.
There's no doubt Chelios' career is winding down but it's likely the veteran will stay with the NHL or the game itself, behind the bench of an NHL team or perhaps within the U.S. Olympic hockey program.
Regardless, his enduring presence and hockey know-how would be well appreciated by any team or organization and its likely Chelios will be involved in the game well in to his golden years.
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