The Chicago Blackhawks will retire Chris Chelios’ No. 7 jersey, a Hall of Fame defenseman.
While Pearl Jam was performing at the United Center on Thursday night, the Blackhawks asked frontman Eddie Vedder to tell his old friend the news.
Chelios, a 61-year-old native of Chicago, played for his home team from 1990 until March 1999, when he was traded to Detroit. In 664 games with the Blackhawks during the regular season, he scored 92 goals and had 395 assists. With 1,495 penalty minutes over his career, he is still the team’s leader.
The organization’s chairman and CEO, Danny Wirtz, stated that his late father, Rocky, intended Chelios’ No. 7 to be the following number retired by the team. Rocky Wirtz, 70, passed away in July.
Danny Wirtz stated in a release that Chris Chelios “represents not only the Blackhawks but, given his roots here, the city of Chicago.”
Chelios has won the Norris Trophy three times, given to the league’s best defenceman, twice while playing for Chicago. He has been representing the Blackhawks as a team ambassador.
When Chicago plays host to Detroit on February 25, there will be an on-ice jersey ceremony.
Chelios joins 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. 31), and Marian Hossa (No. 81) as the eighth player to have his number retired by the team.
Chelios might at some point be joined by No 7 in the rafters, similar to Pilote and Magnusson. In Chicago, Brent Seabrook, who also wore No. 7, played an important defensive role on three Stanley Cup-winning teams.
The Blackhawks stated that internal standards have been created for upcoming jersey retirements when they announced Chelios’ honor.
According to Jaime Faulkner, the team’s president of business operations, “there is a lot in store for the organization as we celebrate the accomplishments of the many great players who have worn the Blackhawks sweater.” “Plans to celebrate our alumni and additional jersey retirements will continue to emerge as we look forward to sharing that with our fans,” the statement reads. “Our upcoming centennial celebration will take place during the 2025–26 season.”