December 5, 2008
So, it’s back on the road to kick off another three-in-three weekend. There are a couple of big divisional games with a home date against the West Division Milwaukee Admirals sandwiched in between. The trip starts off in Grand Rapids, marking the fist visit to Van Andel Arena for the Marlies this season. And, it could be a history making night as well.
The Detroit Red Wings will be assigning Chris Chelios to the Griffins on Friday, and he is expected to appear in the game against the Marlies. That would make Chelios the oldest player in the 73 year history of the American Hockey League to suit up for a game. At age 46, Chelios would surpass the old record of 45 which is held by William “Scotty” Alexander. He was the trainer for the Hershey Bears and was tossed in goal as an emergency replacement in the 1953-54 season. He’s looking to make a return for his 25th NHL season after fracturing his tibia when he blocked a shot for the Wings in a pre-season game on September 30th. He’s the second oldest player in the NHL behind Gordie Howe, and his 25 seasons would tie him with Mark Messier for most seasons played, right behind Howe’s 26.
As for the Marlies, some key players returned to practice with the team this week in Kris Newbury and Bates Battaglia. It’s been a tough run of family issues for the team to start the year, but none the less good to see the guys back in the fold. Battaglia had been skating on his own every day for the last few weeks at home in Chicago, so it shouldn’t take too long before he’ll be up to game speed and back in the line-up.
The North Division race is starting to tighten up, so this weekend is big for Toronto to join in on the party. They’re looking for a big weekend and should be ready for a big battle.
You can catch Friday night’s game in Grand Rapids on The FAN 590 with a 7:00pm start time.
So, it’s back on the road to kick off another three-in-three weekend. There are a couple of big divisional games with a home date against the West Division Milwaukee Admirals sandwiched in between. The trip starts off in Grand Rapids, marking the fist visit to Van Andel Arena for the Marlies this season. And, it could be a history making night as well.
The Detroit Red Wings will be assigning Chris Chelios to the Griffins on Friday, and he is expected to appear in the game against the Marlies. That would make Chelios the oldest player in the 73 year history of the American Hockey League to suit up for a game. At age 46, Chelios would surpass the old record of 45 which is held by William “Scotty” Alexander. He was the trainer for the Hershey Bears and was tossed in goal as an emergency replacement in the 1953-54 season. He’s looking to make a return for his 25th NHL season after fracturing his tibia when he blocked a shot for the Wings in a pre-season game on September 30th. He’s the second oldest player in the NHL behind Gordie Howe, and his 25 seasons would tie him with Mark Messier for most seasons played, right behind Howe’s 26.As for the Marlies, some key players returned to practice with the team this week in Kris Newbury and Bates Battaglia. It’s been a tough run of family issues for the team to start the year, but none the less good to see the guys back in the fold. Battaglia had been skating on his own every day for the last few weeks at home in Chicago, so it shouldn’t take too long before he’ll be up to game speed and back in the line-up.
The North Division race is starting to tighten up, so this weekend is big for Toronto to join in on the party. They’re looking for a big weekend and should be ready for a big battle.
You can catch Friday night’s game in Grand Rapids on The FAN 590 with a 7:00pm start time.
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