Jaromir Jagr continues to grab the hockey spotlight, even though he no longer plays in the NHL. On Thursday, he became the oldest professional hockey player when he skated for his club, Kladno, at age 52 and 63 days, according to Czechia hockey writer Zdenek Janda.
Jagr marked the historic occasion by collecting a goal — his first of the season — and an assist as Kladno defeated Vsetin 7-2 in an Extraliga relegation game. Jagr is the sole owner of Rytíři Kladno, his hometown team, and has played in 15 games this season. Kladno finished in last place out of the 14-team league and was playing a two-game series against Vsetin, which it won, to avoid dropping down.
Jagr had his No. 68 retired this season by the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this season.
Hockey Hall of Famer Gordie Howe was 52 and 11 days when he last skated at the pro level (though there is a caveat to that statement) in 1980 with the Hartford Whalers. He had 15 goals and 26 assists in 80 games in that final season.
Howe did suit up for one shift in 1997 at age 69 with the Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League, though it was largely ceremonial, making him the first and only player to skate in six decades as a professional. Howe made his NHL debut in 1946 with the Detroit Red Wings.
