Cooper Lewis '26, News Editor
Rock band Pearl Jam's concert on Sept. 8 at the United Center in Chicago went like any other of their performances. The two and a half hour show included many of the group's hits, as well as a few surprising pieces that were not expected by fans. However, the most surprising event of the night came towards the end of the show.
Former fan favorite defensemen for the Chicago Blackhawks—and longtime Chicago native—Chris Chelios came out onto the stage and stood beside his friend, and frontman of Pearl Jam, Eddie Veddar. Veddar, wearing a Blackhawks jersey and holding his usual lyric book, stood before the crowd and announced how the Blackhawks had decided to retire Chelios' jersey, No.7.
Chelios grew up in Chicago and played for his hometown team starting in 1990, until the decision was made to trade him to Detroit in 1999. During his nine years on the Blackhawks, Chelios scored a total of 92 goals and made 395 assists in over 660 games. Currently, he remains the team's career leader, with 1,500 penalty minutes.
On top of that, Chelios is a three time winner of the Norris Trophy. The trophy, which is awarded to the best defensemen in the league, was won twice during Chelios' time on the Blackhawks.
Danny Wirtz, the son of late Blackhawks CEO and owner, Rocky Wirtz, stated how his father wanted Chelios to be "the next Blackhawk to have his jersey retired and would have loved to see this moment." Wirtz's father passed away in July this year, so he wanted to accomplish this goal in his memory.
"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." Wirtz said shortly after the news was made public. "Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but, given his roots here, the city of Chicago."
Chelios is the ninth member of the Blackhawks, and third defenseman to have his jersey number retired. A pregame on-ice ceremony, which will officially retire the jersey number, is scheduled to take place Feb. 25, 2024.
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