Once you reach that age when you're considered "old" you might as well embrace it, right?
That's the mindset Zdeno Chara is taking after officially becoming the oldest player in the NHL. Being 42 isn't old on the relative scale of ageing, but in a young man's game like the NHL, Chara is defying the odds of father time by returning for his 22nd season in the NHL.
After hearing the news that Matt Cullen retired, making Chara officially the oldest player in the league, Big Z took to Instagram with a hilarious photoshopped picture wearing a throwback helmet made decades ago.
"It’s hard to believe I’m now the oldest active player in the NHL," Chara wrote in his Instagram caption.
"It’s been a long time since my rookie season but this game always keeps me young. Having the opportunity to play in the league all these years with and against the best players in the world has taught me time and time again that it’s a humbling game and age is just a number!"
Still a pivotal piece of the Bruins' backend, Chara suited up in 62 regular season games where he averaged 21:05 TOI per game and racked up 5 goals and 9 assists.
In the playoffs, Chara dressed in another 23 games, contributing 2 goals and 4 assists. He was commended for his heroic efforts in the post-season, as he played through a busted jaw.
(h/t Zdeno Chara)
