When it comes to the longevity of former NHL players, it looks like 50 is the new 40.
Whether it be Alex Kovalev dangling players half his age in a KHL practice or Jaromir Jagr suiting up and playing games for the Czech team he owns, “retirement” has become a bit of a looser term.
Another member of that age-defying group is former NHL enforcer Donald Brashear, who has never really stepped away from the ice despite last playing in the NHL in 2009.
Still in fighting shape, over the weekend, the 51-year-old played his first game with his new team, the Jonquière Marquis, in the LNAH, a low-level pro league in Quebec known for its high volume of fights.
And as he did in his glory days, Brashear answered the bell when he responded to the invitation of Derek Parker of the Laval PĂ©troliers.
Derek Parker vs Donald Brashear was not on our 2023 bingo card… but the LNAH ain’t cancelled yet. @dbtrashers | @pro_rocc | @HeavyHockeyNet pic.twitter.com/nZYa1MJwpq
— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) October 22, 2023
The two big guys fought for over a minute, exchanging punches, shoves, and jersey pulls. Ultimately, Brashear came out on top, dropping his opponent to the ice with a knockout punch and winning the bout despite being 11 years his senior.
It just goes to show that experience pays off in most facets of the game. And when it comes to dropping the gloves, Brashear has plenty.
Over a 1,025-game span with the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers, the 6-foot-3 forward accumulated a total of 2,634 penalty minutes and 277 fights in the NHL.
Brashear, who signed a new contract with Jonquière last month, will play in the LNAH semi-regularly as he is also a member of the Wendake Black Jack in Quebec’s Ligue de hockey Senior Lac au Fleuve.
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