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CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks will retire Corridor of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios’ No. 7 jersey.
The Blackhawks had Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder ship the information to his longtime buddy in the course of the band’s live performance on the United Heart on Thursday night time.
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Chelios, 61, a Chicago native, performed for his hometown workforce 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 workforce’s profession chief with 1,495 penalty minutes.
Danny Wirtz, the chairman and CEO of the workforce, mentioned his late father, Rocky, wished Chelios’ No. 7 to be the following quantity retired by the franchise. Rocky Wirtz died in July at age 70.
“Chris Chelios represents not solely the Blackhawks, however, given his roots right here, town of Chicago,” Danny Wirtz mentioned in a launch.
Chelios is a three-time Norris Trophy winner — awarded to the league’s high defenseman — taking residence the dignity twice throughout his time in Chicago. He has been serving as a workforce ambassador for the Blackhawks.
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The on-ice jersey ceremony will probably 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 Corridor (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).
Like Pilote and Magnusson, Chelios might have some firm with No. 7 within the rafters sooner or later. Brent Seabrook was a key defenseman on three Stanley Cup champions in Chicago, additionally sporting No. 7.
In saying Chelios’ honour, the Blackhawks mentioned inner pointers have been established for future jersey retirements.
“There’s a lot to return for the group as we rejoice achievements of the various nice gamers who’ve worn the Blackhawks sweater,” mentioned Jaime Faulkner, the workforce’s president of enterprise operations. “With our upcoming centennial celebration in the course of the 2025-26 season, plans to rejoice our alumni and extra jersey retirements will proceed to emerge as we look ahead to sharing that with our followers.”