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Having broken into the Western Hockey League at 16, Paul Postma already knew all about learning from elders.
But this seemed ridiculous.
After wrapping up a prolific two-year stint with the Calgary Hitmen last year, the defenceman landed in Chicago at 20 for his first pro season with the American Hockey League’s Wolves.
And while the Red Deer native knew he’d share the locker-room with a team full of married guys who were stronger, faster and older than he was, little did he know his stall-mate would be twice his age. And then some.
“When I heard the rumour that Chris Chelios was going to join our team, I didn’t know what to expect — I didn’t believe it,” said Postma, a seventh-round draft pick of the Atlanta Thrashers.
“But then he showed up at practice and he’s sitting next to me. At first, it was pretty tense.”
Chelios’ reputation as a prickly sort preceded the now 48-year-old rearguard, putting everyone on edge. However, it didn’t take long for Postma to realize the second-oldest player ever to play in the NHL was, well, hip.
“He’s actually pretty cool — extremely approachable,” said Postma of a man so old he could theoretically be the father of all but one player on Atlanta’s AHL affiliate.
“At this point in his career, he’s a lot more laid back than a few years ago. He just loves the game so much. If I have problems with coaches, he can give me advice. Sitting next to him all year has been great — he’s been through everything.
“I can also just watch him in a practice or a game. He rarely gets beat in one-on-one battles, and he’s extremely smart. Everywhere we go, there’s so much media focused on him. People show up to heckle him, but he handles himself so well on and off the ice.”
Chelios and Postma have gone out for dinner several times and despite his age, Chelios still enjoys hanging with the lads.
Afforded several pats on the back from the three-time Stanley Cup and Norris Trophy winner, Postma has reciprocated by chipping in for the team’s Christmas gift exchange at which Chelios received a Fitness for Over 50 book from the boys. Cheeky.
“Every now and then, there’s some sharp comment made, but he’s heard it all,” said Postma of the ribbing you’d expect is hurled Chelios’ way from time to time.
“I didn’t think someone at that age could take such care of their body. It’s good to see.”
Known for a legendary fitness regimen that includes torturous stationary bike rides in steam rooms and saunas around the NHL, Chelios continues to amaze Postma and his teammates by his dedication to the craft.
“That’s his office, to tell you the truth. After every practice, he’s in the steam room with the bike,” said Postma, a 6-foot-3, 190 lb. playmaker.
“One of his biggest lines is, ‘Sweat’s the biggest thing for you.’ He puts a strap around his stomach and sweats it all out every day.”
With an eye on breaking Gordie Howe’s NHL record by playing at age 51, Chelios signed two 25-game tryout contracts with the first-place Wolves, where he was third in the AHL with a plus-34 rating in 46 games.
His five goals and 22 points put him just one behind the offensively-gifted Postma and earned ‘Cheli’ a call-up to the Thrashers Wednesday, allowing him to add to his 1,644 NHL games.
In his Thrashers debut he deflected one goal past his own netminder, and made a bad pinch to cost his club another goal in a 2-1 loss.
“I think he could play until he’s 50, but not in the NHL,” opined Postma, still pals with Hitmen teammates who saw him set the franchise single-season record for goals by a blueliner.
Although Chelios has become a pal and mentor, Postma admits he had mixed emotions when the veteran got the promotion ahead of him.
“It’s a little frustrating but you know why — because of his experience,” said Postma.
“Hopefully, he can help. If not, he’ll come back here and help us out, because we have a good team here.”
Not such a ridiculous notion after all.