Blue Jackets forward Nathan Gerbe is one of the shortest hockey players in the National Hockey League, standing in at a meager 5-foot-4. Tuesday, Gerbe suited up against the NHL’s tallest player, 6-foot-9 Zdeno Chara – a 17 inch different in height.
A photographer snapped a pic of the two players together skating for a loose puck, which Gerbe posted on Twitter.
“This is photoshopped right? 🤣” Gerbe wrote.
This is photoshopped right? 🤣 #nhl pic.twitter.com/gfIjSHqIet
— Nathan Gerbe (@NathanGerbe14) January 15, 2020
The photo is so ridiculous it’s going viral. In the five hours since it has been posted, Gerbe has received over 1,000 retweets and 8,000 favorites.
Recently, in a story with ABC 6, Gerbe discussed his success despite his meager height.
“To be small, you’ve got to be a little tough and stand your ground and show people you won’t back down,” Gerbe said.
Gerbe has played 407 games and parts of 12 seasons in the NHL despite his size. In December, he was called up to the Blue Jackets from the Cleveland Monsters.
“Total energy package: tenacity, understanding what it is to be a pro,” head coach John Tortorella said.
“I used to try to say I’m 5-foot-6. But when they bring out the real measuring stick, I’m 5-4,” Gerbe said smiling.
I still remember this one from the early 2010s pic.twitter.com/4gwKEo4Ro3
— DCSportsDork (@DCSportsDork) January 15, 2020
