There are some things I never understand  in sports for instance, the retirement of players. I always thought  if your retire from a place of employment then you have decided not to proceed in that profession any more. Well for some reason or another this rule doesn’t apply to pro athletes.

On Monday, 47 year old Chris Chelios worked out with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL trying to once again play in the NHL. The Wolves are the AHL affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers (wonder if he likes Winnipeg). Chelios played 25 seasons in the NHL with his last game being played in the 2008-09 season for the Detroit Red Wings. Winner of 3 Norris trophy’s and  tallying 185 goals and 763 assists for 948 points, Chelios is looking to be the oldest active player in the NHL.

If you remember, the great Gordie Howe came out of retirement in 1997-98 as he tried to play in the NHL in 6 different decades as he played one game for the Detroit Vipers of the IHL. Howe currently holds the record for the oldest player to play in the NHL at 52 years old in 1980 for the Hartford Whalers.

One of my favorites was Michael Jordon who retired from the NBA, played in the MLB, retired from the MLB, came out of retirement to play in the NBA for a second time and then once again retired and if I remember correctly he had 2 retirement parties for the Bulls.

My opinion is that once a player retires, stay retired. The only exception to that rule would be a case of Cam Neely where he tried  to come back after being severely injured. That was one that everyone wanted to see and unfortunately it didn’t happen. Anyways, I have always liked Chelios and wish him the best of luck but I think he is going to realize quickly that the NHL is a much different game than it was just 2 years ago when he last played. Skaters have gotten quicker and smarter which will make his task even more challenging.