Age just a number for Red Wings stalwart Chelios

By Steve Keating

DETROIT (Reuters) - When defenseman Chris Chelios hoisted his first Stanley Cup in 1986, NHL MVP Sidney Crosby had not yet been born and three of his current Detroit Red Wings team mates were just learning to walk.

During 24 seasons patrolling NHL bluelines and muscling monstrous forwards from the front of his net, Chelios has seen hundreds of team mates come and go, arenas built and demolished, franchises born and others disappear.

He has captained the U.S. hockey team at three Olympics, winning a silver medal in 2002 at Salt Lake City and has not completely ruled out playing in a fourth in 2010 at the Vancouver Winter Games.

Only one player, "Mr Hockey" Gordie Howe, who was 52 years, 6 days old when he made his last NHL appearance on April 6, 1980, remains ahead of Chelios on the all-time list of oldest players to skate in the NHL.

Each day Chelios goes to work at Joe Louis Arena he passes a bronze statue dedicated to Howe, reminding him and others that age is only a number and you are only as old as you feel.

On Friday, Chelios celebrates his 46th birthday but the three-time Norris Trophy winner as the NHL's top defenseman insists retirement is not yet in sight, while also acknowledging that the end is only one bone-crunching check away.

"I think my training in the summer is the reason that has helped prevent injuries but you look around you're only one hit away from ending your career," Chelios told Reuters.

"Obviously at my age if I do get hurt or sustain a significant injury people are going to question your ability to come back at the age I'm at.

"As much as people talk about my age it doesn't seem to be an issue about how I play.

"You like to say you appreciate every shift but in the end you're still competitive and you always want more, you want to win so let's just say I'm content.

"As for the Olympics, they are a long way off. I don't want to hold any young kids back but there is always a need for defensive defensemen, penalty killers, so we'll see."

FREAK OF NATURE

Chelios's longevity in a punishing sport is a product of a fitness regime that has become legendary.

Team mates describe him as "a freak of nature," his dedication to working out and game preparation bordering on fanatical.

Chelios's teams have made the post-season 22 times, asking more mileage from his body, and he continues to log a large number of minutes on a team at the top of the NHL standings.