(Chicago) The Chicago Blackhawks will retire the number 7 worn by former team defenseman and Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios.
At the request of the Blackhawks, Eddie Vedder, singer of the rock group Pearl Jam and longtime friend of Chelios, himself broke the news to the former defender during the group’s show presented Thursday evening at the United Center, the amphitheater where the NHL team plays.
A 61-year-old Chicago native, Chelios played for his hometown club from 1990 until he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in March 1999. The Montreal Canadiens traded him to the Blackhawks June 29, 1990 in return for Denis Savard.
In 664 games with the Blackhawks during the regular season, Chelios scored 92 goals and 395 assists. He remains the Blackhawks’ career leader with 1,495 penalty minutes.
Danny Wirtz, president and CEO of the team, said his father, Rocky, wanted the former Chelios No. 7 to be the next jersey retired by the Blackhawks.
Rocky Wirtz died in July at the age of 70.
“Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks but, given his roots here, the city of Chicago,” Danny Wirtz said in a press release.
Chelios has won the Norris Trophy – awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL – three times, including twice during his time in Chicago. He now plays the role of ambassador with the Blackhawks.
The ceremony will take place on February 25 when the Red Wings visit.
Chelios will become the ninth player in Blackhawks history to receive such an honor. The others are former goalie Glenn Hall (number 1), defensemen Pierre Pilote (3) and Keith Magnusson (3), forwards Bobby Hull (9), Denis Savard (18) and Stan Mikita (21), goalie Tony Esposito (35) and forward Marian Hossa (81).
By confirming the tribute that will be reserved for Chelios, Blackhawks leaders indicated that internal standards have been established in anticipation of future retirements of numbers of former players of the team.
“There’s a lot to come for the organization as we prepare to celebrate the accomplishments of the many great players who have worn the Blackhawks jersey,” said Jaime Faulkner, president of business operations for the team.
“With the commemoration of our centennial during the 2025-26 season, plans to celebrate our alumni and additional jersey retirements will continue to emerge and we look forward to sharing this with our fans. »
