Chelios reaches milestone

Jan 9, 2008 - 4:17 AM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios is proving age is but a number.

By appearing in the Red Wings' 1-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, Chelios became the second-oldest player in National Hockey League history.

At 45 years, 348 days, Chelios surpassed Moe Roberts by one day for the distinction. Roberts held the honor of being the league's second-oldest player ever when he came out of retirement to relieve Harry Lumley for the Chicago Blackhawks on November 25, 1951.

"I don't know if it's something that you celebrate, but after talking about it for so long and seeing how proud my family is of the accomplishment, it is a pretty good feeling," Chelios said.

Hall of Famer Gordie Howe holds the record of being the NHL's oldest player, appearing in a game for the Hartford Whalers on April 6, 1980 at 52 years, 6 days.

"If I get to that point, I'll stop one year short of that," Chelios said out of respect for Howe, the man they call "Mr. Hockey" and a Red Wing from 1946-71. "I'm the oldest American-born NHLer, and that's enough for me."

Currently in his 24th season in the league, Chelios is 1 year, 94 days older than his current coach, Mike Babcock. The three-time Norris Trophy winner and 11-time All-Star, who turns 46 on January 25, is eighth on the all-time games played list with 1,587.

"It's weird that the two oldest players both played for Detroit," Chelios said. "There must be something in the Michigan water."