Iron Puck

Chris Chelios, the longest-tenured defenseman in NHL history and second oldest player to ever skate pro, is finally hanging up his skates. After 26 NHL seasons and three Stanley Cups, Chelios announced his retirement at the age of 48.

Chelios, who won three Norris Trophies during a career that spanned stops in Montreal, Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta, will transition into an adviser with the Red Wings, working with Detroit’s front office and coaching staff. Only Gordie Howe was older than Chelios when he played, skating at 52. Chelios also is the only player in NHL history to appear in at least 400 games with three different teams.

Known for his strict workout regimen and endurance, he played the fourth-most regular season games in NHL history (1,651) and the most postseason games in NHL history (266). Chelli also skated for the U.S. on four Olympic hockey teams, including three as team captain. At the end of his career, he was limited to 28 games with Detroit in 2008-09 because of a broken leg, and when the Wings chose not to bring him back, he signed Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. He was recalled by the Atlanta Thrashers (their NHL affiliate) in March, where he appeared in seven games.

Chelios ranks second all-time among defensemen with 2,891 penalty minutes, and had this to say to the fans of opposing teams: “I hope you’ll forgive me for the things I did to some of the players on your teams.”