2023-09-08 04:30:05
The Chicago Blackhawks took advantage of the arrival of the group Pearl Jam at the United Center to announce to Chris Chelios that his number 7 was going to be hoisted to the heights of the amphitheater on Thursday evening.
Singer and guitarist Eddie Vedder is a good friend of the former defender and he had the honor of sharing this good news. Pearl Jam interrupted their concert to bring Chelios on stage.
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The Hockey Hall of Famer was surprised with a video tribute and at the end of it, his famous jersey might be seen fluttering in the wind. The ceremony will be held on February 24, the Blackhawks confirmed.
Chelios, who captained the franchise and defended its colors from 1990 to 1999, will become the ninth immortal in the Illinois organization. Last year, Marian Hossa’s number 81 was also retired.
In a press release, Blackhawks president Danny Wirtz said the retirement of Chelios’ jersey was one of the last wishes of his father Rocky, who died in July at the age of 70.
“We are entering a new era of the Blackhawks on the ice, but the importance of honoring former members of the organization is, and always will be, a priority. Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but the city of Chicago through his roots here,” said Wirtz, whose father was the majority owner of the franchise.
With the Hawks, the 61-year-old won two Norris Trophies and appeared in five All-Star Games. He amassed 487 points in 664 regular season games in Chicago, the fourth highest total among the team’s defensemen.
The American had a prolific career spanning 26 seasons which began with the Montreal Canadiens in 1983. He played 1,651 games and accumulated 948 points before retiring in 2010 following stints with the Detroit Red Wings and the Atlanta Thrashers.
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