Chelios has No. 7 retired by Blackhawks in stirring ceremony
The Chicago Blackhawks retired Chris Chelios' No. 7 in a ceremony full of nostalgia and special guests.
A Trip Back in Time
The Chicago Blackhawks retired Chris Chelios' No. 7 in a memorable ceremony at United Center. The event began with a video montage that showcased commercials, news highlights, and fads from the 1990s, all accompanied by music from Lenny Kravitz and Pearl Jam. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Pat Foley, a former Blackhawks play-by-play broadcaster, hosted the ceremony, which brought together Chicago legends, Red Wings and Blackhawks coaches and players, and special guests. Chelios' wife and family were also present, along with his former Blackhawks teammates and other notable figures such as Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, Dennis Rodman, and Eddie Vedder.
A Heartfelt Return
During the video tribute, Chelios expressed his love for Chicago and his gratitude for the honor. He said, "My heart never left Chicago, and I'm back for good." The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
Chelios entered the ice with his mom in a 1962 Cadillac convertible while the Red Hot Chili Peppers' rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" played. As a chant of "Cheli" filled the United Center, Chelios blew air kisses to the crowd.
A Homecoming Story
Chelios, a Chicago native, was traded to the Blackhawks in 1990 after starting his career with the Montreal Canadiens. He shared his excitement about returning to his hometown and how proud he was to witness the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010. Several members of the championship team, including Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Patrick Kane, were present at the ceremony.
Chelios praised Kane, who now plays for the Red Wings, and declared him the greatest American-born player. He playfully teased Kane about wearing the Red Wings jersey and assured him that it would all work out in the end. Chelios ended his speech by thanking his family for their support and dedication.
