At 52, Jagr surpasses Gordie Howe’s record, scoring in his return to professional hockey with the Kladno Knights

Jaromir Jagr, the legendary hockey player, has etched his name in the history books by becoming the oldest professional ice hockey player to take regular shifts, breaking Gordie Howe’s long-standing record. Jagr achieved this milestone during a playoff relegation game with his hometown club, the Kladno Knights, against Vsetin.

Turning 52 in February, Jagr had not played since just before his birthday but made a triumphant return by scoring the opening goal of the match just 1:59 into the game. This game marked his 16th appearance in what is his 36th season of professional hockey. Jagr not only scored but also contributed an assist in Kladno’s dominant 7-2 victory, putting them ahead 2-0 in their best-of-seven series.

Howe, famously known as “Mr. Hockey,” held the previous record. He was 52 years and 11 days old during his last NHL game in 1980, though he briefly returned to play a single shift in the International Hockey League in 1997 at the age of 69.

Jagr’s illustrious career has been marked by numerous achievements, including two Stanley Cup victories and five Art Ross Trophies as the NHL scoring leader, all primarily during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The city of Pittsburgh recently honoured Jagr by retiring his iconic No. 68 jersey and presenting him with a proclamation celebrating his contributions to the sport.

Since being drafted fifth overall by the Penguins in 1990, Jagr has left an indelible mark on hockey, being recognized not only for his longevity but also for his profound impact on and off the ice. His return to Kladno, the club he now owns and first joined as a teenager, has been a significant part of his late-career narrative.

Despite his advancing age, Jagr’s performance continues to inspire fans and players alike, demonstrating that age is but a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passion. The question of when Jagr might retire remains open, but for now, the hockey world continues to celebrate his remarkable ability to compete at a high level