The Chicago Blackhawks will honour a local legend by raising Chris Chelios’ No. 7 to the rafters next season.
Eddie Vedder, the lead singer of Pearl Jam and a good friend of Chelios, made the announcement during a concert at the United Center on Thursday. Vedder said the honour was one of the last wishes of Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz, who died in July.
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The Hall of Fame defenceman and Chicago native played nine of his 26 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks, from 1990-91 until a mid-season trade to the rival Detroit Red Wings in 1998-99. Chelios was captain of the Blackhawks from 1995-99 and is fourth in franchise history for points by a defenceman with 487.
Chelios began his career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1983-84 at age 22 and retired in 2009-10 at age 48 while a member of the Atlanta Thrashers. His 26 seasons played is tied with Gordie Howe for the most in NHL history, and his 24 playoff appearances is an NHL record.
Chelios won the Norris Trophy three times, including twice with the Blackhawks, and won three Stanley Cups — in 1986 with the Canadiens and 2002 and 2008 with the Red Wings.
His number will be raised to the rafters of the United Center on Feb. 25 before a game against the Red Wings.
“We are entering a new era of Blackhawks hockey on the ice, but the importance of honoring past members of this organization is, and always will be, a priority,” Blackhawks chairman Danny Wirtz said in a statement. “Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but, given his roots here, the city of Chicago. 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, friends, and sharing it all with Blackhawks fans.”
Chelios will be the ninth player to have his number retired by the Blackhawks, joining: Glenn Hall (No. 1), Pierre Pilote (No. 3), Keith Magnuson (No. 3), Bobby Hull (No. 9), Denis Savard (No. 18), Stan Mikita (No. 21), Tony Esposito (No. 31) and Marian Hossa (No. 81).
In the same statement, Blackhawks president of business operations Jaime Faulkner said the team is planning more number retirements ahead of its centennial season in 2025-26.
“There is a lot to come for the organization as we celebrate achievements of the many great players who have worn the Blackhawks sweater,” Faulkner said.
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