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Chris Chelios played ‘until the tank was empty’

Chris Chelios

FILE - In this March 17, 2009, file photo, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios shoots during warmups against the Philadelphia Flyers in an NHL hockey game in Detroit. Chelios finally is retiring at the age of 48 after 26 NHL seasons and three Stanley Cups. The longest-tenured defenseman in league history made the announcement at a news conference in Detroit on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010. He says he’s “been dreading this day for a long time.” (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

AP

It’s likely that just about every player - even Hall of Famers - retire with a regret or two. Leaving the game too early isn’t something that Chris Chelios is likely to ponder, however.

At 51, Chelios is the oldest first-time HHOF eligible candidate the selection committee ever considered, according to NHL.com. He seemed grateful to last long enough to appear in 1,651 games, which is the fifth-most among NHL defensemen and the most of any American-born player.

“I always said I’d go right until the tank was empty and I believe I did,” Chelios said.

Chelios was able to dispel any doubt by playing until he was 48, including a still-strange run with the Atlanta Thrashers (via Getty).

thrashersgety

That’s quite the odd finish for a guy who began his career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1983.

“I came in and I played with Guy LaFleur, Steve Shutt, Larry Robinson, Bob Gainey,” Chelios said. “They took me under their wings and I learned from the best. Hockey players are great guys in general, but to learn from the best, guys who had so much success, you have to listen to them. That, I think, had a big bearing on my career.”

Of course, such a long run draws the stray joke, including this bit of needling from fellow inductee Scott Niedermayer (via Eric Stephens of the OC Register):

“I was part of one era. I think Chris was part of a few,” Niedermayer said.