DetroitRedWings.com employed the services of prolific hockey writer Julie Robenhymer during the World Championship in Denmark, and today, Robenhymer and the Red Wings’ website look back at the comments made by Wings ambassador Chris Chelios during his induction into the IIHF’s Hall of Fame:
In 26 years as an NHL player, including 10 with the Detroit Red Wings, Chris Chelios won three Stanley Cups, earned three Norris Trophies as the league’s best defenseman as well as the Mark Messier Leadership Award.
He also represented Team USA at the World Junior Championship, three Canada Cups, four Olympics – earning a silver medal in 1998 – as well as the World Cup of Hockey in 1996, where the United States defeated Canada in Canada to win the championship, and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Upon retirement, Chelios was immediately inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011, was a first-ballot selection for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 and completed the trifecta last month as he was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame during the 2018 IIHF World Championship held in Denmark.
“I never envisioned myself making it to the NHL,” Chelios said during his acceptance speech. “My goal was going to college and making the Olympic team. I thought, what a great honor that would be to represent your country and what a dream to be able to be one of those 22 or 24 players and I’m very fortunate to say that my dream came true.”
Robenhymer continues, and she spoke with Nicklas Lidstrom regarding the challenges involved in playing against Chelios.
Everyone talks about Lidstrom’s longevity but holy cow, didn’t Chelios come into the league with Gordie Howe?
Captain America!