The Chicago Blackhawks took advantage of Pearl Jam’s arrival at the United Center to tell Chris Chelios that his number 7 would be hoisted to the heights of the amphitheater on Thursday night.
Singer and guitarist Eddie Vedder is a good friend of the former defender and he had the honor of sharing the good news. Pearl Jam interrupted their concert to bring Chelios on stage.
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The Hockey Hall of Famer was surprised with a video tribute and at the end his famous jersey could be seen fluttering in the wind. The ceremony will take place on February 24, the Blackhawks confirmed.
Chelios, who captained the franchise and defended its colors from 1990 to 1999, will become the ninth Immortal in the Illinois organization. Last year Marian Hossa’s number 81 was also retired.
In a statement, Blackhawks president Danny Wirtz said retiring Chelios’ jersey was one of the final wishes of his father, Rocky, who died in July at age 70.
“We are entering a new era for the Blackhawks on the ice, but honoring former members of the organization remains a priority. “Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but also the city of Chicago with its roots here,” said Wirtz, whose father was the majority owner of the franchise.
The 61-year-old won two Norris Trophies with the Hawks and took part in five All-Star Games. In 664 regular season games in Chicago, he accumulated 487 points, the fourth-highest point total among the team’s defensemen.
The American looked back on a very productive 26-year career that began in 1983 with the Montreal Canadiens. He played 1,651 games and amassed 948 points before retiring in 2010 after stints with the Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers.