Chris Chelios facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chris Chelios
Hockey Hall of Fame, 2013
Chelios at the United Center in 2023
Born	(1962-01-25) January 25, 1962 (age 63) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	191 lb (87 kg; 13 st 9 lb)
Position	Defense
Shot	Right
Played for	Montreal Canadiens Chicago Blackhawks EHC Biel Detroit Red Wings Atlanta Thrashers
National team	United States
NHL Draft	40th overall, 1981 Montreal Canadiens
Playing career	1984–2010
Medal record Men's ice hockey Representing the  United States Winter Olympics Silver 2002 Salt Lake City World Cup of Hockey Gold 1996 United States Canada Cup Silver 1991 Canada

Chris Chelios (born January 25, 1962) is a famous American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He was a three-time Stanley Cup champion. He won one Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens and two with the Detroit Red Wings.

Chelios played for the Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Atlanta Thrashers. When he joined the Thrashers during the 2009–10 NHL season, Chelios was the oldest player in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was also the second-oldest player of all time in the league. He played the most games of any active player in the NHL. He was the last player from the 1981 NHL Entry Draft still playing. Chelios holds the record for most career playoff games played with 266. He is tied with Gordie Howe for playing the most NHL seasons, with 26. In 2017, Chelios was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history. He is of Greek heritage. Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2018.

Chris Chelios's Early Hockey Journey

Growing Up and Finding Hockey

Chris Chelios was born in Chicago on January 25, 1962. His parents were Gus and Susan Chelios. They lived in Evergreen Park, Illinois, near Chicago. Chris went to Mount Carmel High School. Later, his family moved to Poway, California. He then attended Mira Mesa Senior High School in San Diego.

It was hard to play high school hockey in Southern California. Because of this, no U.S. colleges offered Chelios a scholarship. His only offer came from United States International University in San Diego. This was the only NCAA Division I hockey team west of the Rockies. When Chelios started college in 1979, he found the players were much bigger and more experienced. He was eventually cut from the team. Chelios then tried playing in Canada. He was cut twice by Junior B teams there.

Drafted and College Success

The Montreal Canadiens drafted Chelios in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. Before that, he played for the Moose Jaw Canucks in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. In his last season there, he scored 87 points and had 175 penalty minutes in 54 games. After being drafted, Chelios played for the Wisconsin Badgers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He was chosen for the United States team at the 1982 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.

In 1983, he helped the Badgers win the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship. He was also named to the all-tournament team. Chelios was part of the U.S. team for the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. After the Olympics, he played his first 12 NHL games for the Canadiens. He also played 15 playoff games that season. That summer, he joined the U.S. team for the 1984 Canada Cup.

Playing in the NHL

Montreal Canadiens Years (1984–1990)

In 1984, Chelios became a full-time player for the Montreal Canadiens. Early in his career, he was known for his strong offensive skills. His teammates even called him "Soft Hands Chelios." He was chosen for the National Hockey League All-Star Game. He was also named to the 1985 NHL All-Rookie Team. He scored 64 points in 74 games, which was a lot for a defenseman back then. He finished second for the Calder Memorial Trophy. In the playoffs that year, he had 10 points in nine games.

In the 1985–86 season, he played 41 games and won his first Stanley Cup. He played in front of Conn Smythe Trophy-winning goalie Patrick Roy. During the 1988–89 season, he scored 73 points in 80 games. He was named to the All-Star first-team and won his first James Norris Memorial Trophy. Chelios was traded to his hometown team, the Chicago Blackhawks, on June 29, 1990. This trade included a 2nd-round draft pick for Denis Savard.

Chicago Blackhawks Years (1990–1999)

In his first season with Chicago, Chelios scored 64 points. He earned a spot on the Second NHL All-Star team. He helped lead the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Final in 1992. They were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins in that series. He played very well in the 1992–93 season, scoring 73 points. He also won his second James Norris Memorial Trophy. During the 1994–95 NHL lockout, he played for EHC Biel in Switzerland.

For the 1995–96 season, Chelios became captain of the Blackhawks. He served in this role until 1999. He scored 72 points and won his third James Norris Memorial Trophy. In the summer of 1996, he helped the United States team beat Canada in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey finals. Chelios was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Detroit Red Wings Years (1999–2009)

On March 23, 1999, Chelios was traded to the Detroit Red Wings. The trade involved Anders Eriksson and two first-round draft picks. In 2002, his +40 plus/minus rating led the league. He was again named to the first All-Star team. He also led the United States hockey team to a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. He was named to the Tournament's All-Star team. His season ended with the Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup. This was Chelios's second Stanley Cup.

Chelios playing for Detroit in February 2008

In 2004, the NHL season was canceled. Chelios, along with teammates Derian Hatcher and Kris Draper, played for the Motor City Mechanics. This was a UHL team in Fraser, Michigan. In October 2004, he trained with the U.S. bobsled team. He hoped to compete for the Greek bobsled team at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Chelios did not compete in bobsledding. However, he did captain the USA hockey team at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

On August 4, 2005, Chelios, at 43 years old, re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings for one year. On May 24, 2006, he signed another one-year contract. On July 3, 2006, Chelios became the active leader for most games played. This happened when teammate Steve Yzerman retired. On April 21, 2007, he became the oldest defenseman to score a short-handed goal in an NHL playoff game. This was against the Calgary Flames. Chelios was the captain of the US Olympic Hockey Team in 2006. By playing in ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics, Chelios set a new record. He became the first player to play in an Olympic ice hockey tournament 22 years after his first.

Chelios re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings for the 2007–08 season. On January 8, 2008, Chelios became the second oldest player in NHL history. He was 45 years and 348 days old, passing Moe Roberts. Only Gordie Howe, who played until age 52, was older. On April 12, 2008, Chelios played in his 248th playoff game. This broke the NHL record set by Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy. Later that season, Chelios also became the oldest active player to win the Stanley Cup. He signed another one-year contract for the 2008–09 season. On December 5, 2008, Chelios played for the Grand Rapids Griffins. This was the American Hockey League (AHL) farm team for the Red Wings. At 46, he became the oldest player in the AHL's 73-year history.

Final Seasons and Retirement

After the Red Wings decided not to re-sign Chelios, he signed a tryout contract with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. After another tryout with the Wolves, Chelios signed a contract with the Atlanta Thrashers. Chelios stayed with the Wolves until he was called up to the Thrashers. He played in seven games for the Thrashers. This was the first time in his career he did not play for an Original Six team. He did not record any points with the Thrashers. On April 7, 2010, Chelios was sent back to the Wolves.

On August 31, 2010, Chelios officially retired from playing hockey. He was 48 years old. On the same day, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland announced that Chelios would work in the Red Wings' front office. He was named Adviser to Hockey Operations. His job was to work with the Red Wings' defense prospects in Grand Rapids.

Life After Playing Hockey

Broadcasting and Ambassador Roles

In 2013, it was announced that Chelios would become an NHL analyst for FS1. This included covering the hockey tournament at the 2014 Winter Olympics. In 2016, Chelios joined ESPN as an analyst. He covered the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

In July 2018, Chelios announced he was leaving the Detroit area. He also left the Red Wings front office. He moved back to Chicago to be closer to his family. The Chicago Blackhawks announced that Chelios would become an ambassador for the team. In 2021, after ESPN got the rights to broadcast the NHL again, Chelios rejoined the network. He worked as a studio analyst. On June 5, 2023, it was announced that his contract would not be renewed. Chelios later joined TNT as a guest studio analyst.

The Blackhawks retired Chelios's number 7 jersey on February 25, 2024. This made him the ninth Blackhawk to receive this honor.

Coaching and International Play

On June 17, 2015, USA Hockey named Chelios an assistant coach for Team USA. This was for the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. On June 23, 2015, Chelios joined the Red Wings coaching staff. He helped with player development. He worked on the ice with the team's defensemen during practices. His job also included watching games and giving his thoughts to the Red Wings coaches. He attended all home games and sometimes traveled with the team.

Chelios has played in 11 international tournaments for the United States:

• 1982 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
• 1984 Winter Olympics
• 1984 Canada Cup
• 1987 Canada Cup
• 1991 Canada Cup
• 1996 World Cup of Hockey (alternate captain)
• 1998 Winter Olympics (captain)
• 2002 Winter Olympics (captain)
• 2004 World Cup of Hockey (captain)
• 2006 Winter Olympics (captain)

In 2020, Chelios was named to the IIHF All-Time USA Team.

Chris Chelios's Personal Life

Chelios and his wife Tracee were married in 1987. They met while studying at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. They have four children: Dean (born 1989), Jake (born 1991), Caley (born 1993), and Tara (born 1996). Dean Chelios played for Cranbrook-Kingswood High School. He helped his team win the 2006 Division III Michigan state high school hockey championship. Dean later played for the Chicago Steel and last played for the Wichita Thunder. In May 2009, Jake was drafted by the Chicago Steel. He joined his brother at Michigan State University. Jake is a defenseman, like his father. He played with Kunlun Red Star in the KHL. Caley graduated from Northwestern University. She is a reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chelios was involved in charity work in Chicago. He founded Cheli's Children. He is the older brother of former minor-leaguer Steve Chelios. He is also the cousin of former NHL player Nikos Tselios.

In 2004, Chelios and surfer Laird Hamilton trained with the U.S. bobsled team. They hoped to form the first Greek bobsled team for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Chelios and his family enjoy stand-up paddle surfing with Hamilton. Chelios believes this activity helped him have such a long career.

On the TV show Scrubs, Dr. Perry Cox, played by Chelios's friend John C. McGinley, often wears a Red Wings jersey with Chelios's name and number. Chelios is also good friends with actors John Cusack and D. B. Sweeney. He is friends with Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, and musician Kid Rock. Chelios was a regular at Michigan State University hockey games, cheering on his sons Jake and Dean.

The Malibu Mob Connection

Chelios has a home in Malibu, California. He is known as a member of a group of celebrity friends called the Malibu Mob. Other members include tennis player John McEnroe, big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton and his wife Gabrielle Reece. Musicians Tim Commerford and Kid Rock are also part of the group. Actors John C. McGinley, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Tony Danza, Justin Long, and Ed O'Neill are also members.

Business Ventures

Chelios owned restaurant/bars called Cheli's Chili Bar. He had locations in both Chicago and Detroit. The first one was in Chicago in the 1990s. It closed when he became a Red Wings player. A new Cheli's opened in Dearborn in 2003. A second Detroit location opened in 2006. A third opened in Clinton Township in 2008. All of these restaurants are now closed. The Detroit location closed in November 2018 when Chelios moved back to Chicago.

Career Statistics

Bold italics indicate NHL record

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play Statistics

Awards and Honors

Records Set by Chris Chelios

• Most playoff games played (266)

See also

In Spanish: Chris Chelios para niños

• List of NHL players with 1,000 games played
• List of NHL players with 2,000 career penalty minutes