Here’s an FYI in the alumni department: the Chicago Blackhawks announced late Thursday night that they’ll be retiring Chris Chelios’s #7, and the former Red Wings defenseman found out about the news at a Pearl Jam concert.
The press release for the event reads like only a Blackhawks press release could:
In front of a sold-out crowd of over 20,000 people at the United Center tonight, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder surprised his friend, and Chicago Blackhawks legend, Chris Chelios by announcing the team will have his No. 7 retired in an on-ice ceremony on Sunday, February 25 when the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings. Chelios was brought on stage for the surprise moment to kick off the celebration.
Chelios—who was born and raised in Chicago—currently serves as Team Ambassador within the organization and will be the ninth Blackhawks player to have his number retired in franchise history joining: Glenn Hall (#1), Pierre Pilote (#3), Keith Magnusson (#3), Bobby Hull (#9), Denis Savard (#18), Stan Mikita (#21), Tony Esposito (#31) and Marian Hossa (#81). Fans wishing to attend this special event can visit Blackhawks.com/Tickets for tickets to the game.
Inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013, the Chicago-native ranks fourth all-time among club defenseman in assists (395) and points (487) and is fifth in goals (92) and 664 career games with Chicago. He is the team’s all-time leader in penalty minutes (1,495).
One of the most decorated defensemen in team—and league—history, Chelios ranks eighth all-time among league blueliners in assists (763), 10th in points (948) and 12th in penalty minutes (2,891) in 1,651 career games with Montreal (1983-90), Chicago (1990-99), Detroit (1999-09) and Atlanta (2009-10) over his 26-year NHL career.
For four seasons (1995-99), Chelios served as team captain and was an alternate captain from 1990-95. He attended Mount Carmel High School on Chicago’s south side and later attended the University of Wisconsin.
The press release continues, and I guess it’s appropriate that Chelios’s jersey will be retired in a game against the franchise where he won two Stanley Cups.
