The then 45 year old Roberts , in his last NHL game , became the oldest player ever to play in an NHL game ; a record he held until broken by Gordie Howe in 1979 , and also passed by Chris Chelios .
Roberts at age 45 , in his last NHL game , became the oldest player ever to play in an NHL game ( the record was later broken by Gordie Howe and then Chris Chelios ) .