Jaromír Jágr, at 52 years old, made headlines by returning to the ice, surpassing Gordie Howe as the oldest professional hockey player. Representing Rytíři Kladno, the Czech team he owns, Jágr showcased his enduring talent by scoring in a 7-2 victory over VHK Vsetín during Game 2 of their playoff relegation series. This win secured Kladno a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, further highlighting Jágr’s impact on the ice despite his age.
Gordie Howe previously held the record, having played his final NHL game at 52 years and 11 days old in 1980. Although Howe briefly returned to play one shift with the Detroit Vipers in 1997 at the age of 69, Jágr’s achievement stands out as the record for players taking regular shifts, marking a remarkable milestone in his illustrious career.
Jágr, known for his storied NHL career beginning with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990, had been inactive since February 10, just before his 52nd birthday. His appearance in Game 2 marked his 16th game of the season, despite facing setbacks due to injuries earlier in the season. Despite his time off the ice, Jágr remained involved in hockey, participating in events such as former teammate Mario Lemieux’s adult fantasy camp and having his No. 68 retired by the Penguins.
Despite departing from the NHL in 2018 after playing for nine teams during his 24-year career in North America, Jágr’s passion for the game persists as he continues to lace up his skates for Kladno. His enduring legacy in hockey is solidified by his second-place ranking in all-time NHL scoring with 1,921 points and fourth place in goals scored with 766. Jágr’s dedication to the sport and his remarkable achievements make him a revered figure in hockey history.
