The Older Impact Player

from Mike Brophy of Sportsnet, When the National Hockey League returned to action following the lockout of 2004-05, it was obvious that with the changes in the game, namely a proposed reduction in obstruction, it was becoming a young man?s league.

No more hooking?holding?interference meant there would be a greater emphasis on skating. In most cases, young legs would have a decided advantage. The return of hockey brought a couple of instant teenage superstars in Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Kids have become the league?s most dominant players. Think Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Tyler Myers, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, the Staal brothers, Bobby Ryan, Matt Duchene, Taylor Hall, John Tavares and Jeff Skinner.

And yet, when you look at last season, older players - the blue rinse set, if you will - made quite an impact. Nicklas Lidstrom, 41, continues to be an impact player and, thankfully, has decided to extend his career. Teemu Selanne, also 41, was the second-leading scorer for the Anaheim Ducks last season with 31 goals and 80 points in 73 games. Tim Thomas, 37, was the NHL?s best goaltender while his teammate, Mark Recchi - who is 43 - played a huge role in helping the Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup.

So yes, it is a young man?s league, but that does not mean older players cannot have an impact.

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Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/the_older_impact_player/

Josh Bailey Mark Eaton Trent Hunter Andy Hilbert Bruno Gervais Dustin Kohn