Chelios was raised in Chicago where he learnt hockey, but a family move to California during his high school years almost ended any dreams of playing hockey for Chris. He moved back east to Wisconsin for NCAA play and won a National Championship with the Badgers and was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1981.
He made an immediate impact in the NHL and made the All-Rookie team and finished 2nd to Mario Lemieux for the Calder Trophy. His first of three Stanley Cups came in Montreal in 1986 and he was the first non-Canadian to wear a “C” when he co-captained with Guy Carbonneau. Chelios spent seven years with the Habs before being traded to his hometown Chicago Blackhawks in 1990. His scoring and physical play would continue and lead the Hawks to the Cup Finals, but the second Cup would not come for many years later with the Wings. Nine total seasons in Chicago, filled with ALL STAR Games and two of his three Norris Trophy’s for Top Defencemen in the NHL while with the Hawks. A move to Hockey Town in ’98 where he would play ten more seasons and win two more Stanley Cups. Chris was now the oldest active player and still producing in top form. He represented the USA in World Jrs., Olympics, World Cups and won many awards at various events. He finished his glorious NHL career with 1,917 games played including playoffs, was selected to the Top 100 of All Time, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. Chris had his number retired by the Blackhawks in February of 2024, in the ultimate show of respect a player can have from his Team.
Chelios works with the Blackhawks as a community ambassador, spending time between Chicago and California.