Apparently there was some Blackhawks’ news broken on stage at Pearl Jam’s show on Thursday night at the United Center. Eddie Vedder, who is close friends with Chris Chelios, informed the Hall of Famer that the Chicago Blackhawks will retire his No. 7 on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 against the Detroit Red Wings.
A Blackhawks Legend and Chicago Icon: Cheli is going to the rafters đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/6fyOeQ34v1
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 8, 2023
The team confirmed the news and released the following statement from Blackhawks chairman Danny Wirtz:
“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. Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but, given his roots here, the city of Chicago. Rocky wanted Chris to be the next Blackhawk to have his jersey retired and would have loved to see this moment. We look forward to celebrating Chris’ career in February with his family, friends, and sharing it all with Blackhawks fans.”
Additional jersey retirements you say? How about Steve Larmer‘s No. 28 while we’re in the early 90s-making-right kinda mood?
Chelios’ departure from Chicago in 1999 left many fans unhappy/not thrilled/pissed because he went to Detroit and won two Stanley Cups as a member of the hated Red Wings. But, during his nine years in Chicago, Chelios was an absolute warrior who wore the “C” with honor while skating for his hometown team. He spent nine years with the Blackhawks during a 26-year career.
I assume Brent Seabrook will also be honored at some point down the road with his own banner for No. 7. But he has one year remaining on his contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In addition, #Blackhawks have set the precedent that they can retire the same number twice. And, for what it's worth, it doesn't necessarily have to be done at the same time.— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 8, 2023
