The Chicago Blackhawks will retire Chris Chelios’ No. 7 jersey, the team confirmed late Thursday night. The surprising news was delivered to the Hockey Hall of Famer on stage by his close friend Eddie Vedder during a Pearl Jam concert at the United Center.
Chelios will have his number retired on Sunday, February 25, 2024 against the Detroit Red Wings, with whom he won two of his three Stanley Cups.
“We are entering a new era of Blackhawks ice hockey, but the importance of honoring former members of this organization is and will always be a priority,” Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wertz said in a statement. “Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but the city of Chicago as well, given his roots here. Rocky wanted Chris to be the next Blackhawk to have his jersey retired and would have loved to see this moment. We look forward to celebrating Chris’ career in February with his family and friends And share with Blackhawks fans.
“We are thrilled to have Chris Chelios’ number forever hanging in the rafters of the United Center,” Jamie Faulkner, the Blackhawks’ president of business operations, said in a statement. “There is a lot to come for the organization as we celebrate the accomplishments of the many great players who have worn a Blackhawks jersey. With our upcoming centennial celebration during the 2025-26 season, plans to celebrate our graduates and additional jersey retirements will continue
show and we look forward to sharing that with our fans.
Chelios will become the ninth player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining Glenn Hall (No. 1), Keith Magnusson (No. 3), Pierre Pilote (No. 3), Bobby Hull (No. 9), and Denis Savard. (#18), Stan Mikita (#21), Tony Esposito (#35), and Marian Hossa (#81).
Chelios spent nine of his 26 NHL seasons in his hometown of Chicago, where he produced 487 points (92 goals, 395 assists) in 664 regular-season games and added 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in 65 postseason contests. . His 487 points rank fourth among defensemen in franchise history.
During his time with the Blackhawks, Chelios appeared in five NHL All-Star Games, earned two Norris Trophies as the league’s top defenseman, and even received Hart Trophy votes — for the league’s most valuable player — in two seasons. He also served as team captain from 1995 to 1999.
Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 8, 2013.
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