Jaromír Jágr entered Thursday for the first time since he turned 52 years old, passing Hall of Famer Gordie Howe as the oldest professional hockey player.
Jágr played for Rytíři Kladno, the Czech team he owns and operates, and scored during a 7–2 win over VHK Vsetín in Game 2 of their play-off relegation series.
Kladno’s victory gave them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Howe was 52 years and 11 days old when he suited up for his final NHL game in 1980. He later played one shift with the Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League in 1997 at the age of 69, but this record is for players who play regularly. shifts.
Jágr, whose NHL career began with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1990-91 season, had not played since February 10, five days before his 52nd birthday. Thursday was his 16th game of the season.
Jágr has missed time this season due to injuries. During his recovery, he spent time in Pittsburgh participating in former teammate Mario Lemieux’s adult fantasy camp and had his number 68 retired by the franchise.
During Jágr’s stay in Pittsburgh, a planned bobblehead night did not take place after the giveaway’s shipment was stolen during delivery.
Jágr is second all-time in NHL scoring with 1,921 points and fourth all-time in goals with 766. He played for nine teams during his 24-year career in North America.
Since leaving the Calgary Flames in 2018, Jágr has returned to playing with Kladno on and off.
