CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks will retire Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios‘ No. 7 jersey.
The Blackhawks had Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder ship the information to his longtime pal throughout the band’s live performance on the United Center on Thursday night time.
Chelios, 61, a Chicago native, performed for his hometown staff from 1990 till he was traded to Detroit in March 1999. He had 92 objectives and 395 assists in 664 regular-season video games with the Blackhawks. He stays the staff’s profession chief with 1,495 penalty minutes.
Danny Wirtz, the chairman and CEO of the staff, stated his late father, Rocky, needed Chelios‘ No. 7 to be the subsequent quantity retired by the franchise. Rocky Wirtz died in July at age 70.
“Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but, given his roots here, the city of Chicago,” Danny Wirtz stated in a launch.
Chelios is a three-time Norris Trophy winner – awarded to the NHL’s high defenseman – taking residence the distinction twice throughout his time in Chicago. He has been serving as a staff ambassador for the Blackhawks.
The on-ice jersey ceremony will likely be held on Feb. 25 when Chicago hosts Detroit.
Chelios is the ninth participant to have his quantity retired by the franchise, becoming a member of Glenn Hall (No. 1), Pierre Pilote (No. 3), Keith Magnusson (No. 3), Bobby Hull (No. 9), Denis Savard (No. 18), Stan Mikita (No. 21), Tony Esposito (No. 35) and Marian Hossa ( No. 81).
Like Pilote and Magnusson, Chelios might have some firm with No. 7 within the rafters in some unspecified time in the future. Brent Seabrook was a key defenseman on three Stanley Cup champions in Chicago, additionally sporting No. 7.
In saying Chelios’ honor, the Blackhawks stated inner pointers have been established for future jersey retirements.
“There is a lot to come for the organization as we celebrate achievements of the many great players who have worn the Blackhawks sweater,” stated Jaime Faulkner, the staff’s president of enterprise operations. “With our upcoming centennial celebration during the 2025-26 season, plans to celebrate our alumni and additional jersey retirements will continue to emerge as we look forward to sharing that with our fans.”
Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com