Chris Chelios is an American hockey player who was a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League from 1998 to 2010. He also played for the Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks.
During his time with Detroit, he was the oldest active player in the NHL. He has the most career penalty minutes of any active player and has played in more games than any other American.
Player Profile
Christos Kostas Chelios was born on January 25, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois in the United States of America. He stands 180 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 87 kg. He is a defenseman and he shoots right-handed.
| Position | Defence |
| Height / weight | 1.8 m / 87 kg |
| Born | 25 Jan 1962 |
| Nationality |
United States
|
| Playing Style | Right Handed |
| Team History | |
Detroit Red Wings
|
1998 - 2010 |
Chicago Blackhawks
|
1990 - 1999 |
Montreal Canadiens
|
1983 - 1990 |
Career
He did not play high school hockey and as such, did not receive offers from colleges except from the United States International University but was eventually cut from the team.
Chelios was drafted in 1981 by the Montreal Canadiens. He later played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin.
He debuted with Montreal in 1983 but played only 12 games. The following season he made the permanent roster, and played 74 games, recording 64 points. Chelios won the Cup in 1986 with Montreal, but in 1988-89 he established himself as one of the top defensemen in the league.
He won the Norris Trophy, finishing with a +35 rating and 73 points in 80 games. He was traded to Chicago in 1990, for Hall of Famer Denis Savard.
Chelios led the Blackhawks to the Cup Finals in 1992, and won his second Norris trophy in 1993, followed by a third in 1996.
He was captain of the Blackhawks until 1999 when he was traded to Detroit. In 2002, he led the league with a plus/minus of +40 and helped the Wings win the Cup. In 2008, Chelios set the record for most career playoff games with 248, on the way to winning his 3rd career Stanley Cup.
Although he did not play in the Cup Finals, he played enough games in the season to qualify to have his name put on the Cup anyways.
Chelios has captained Team USA for much of his career as well. He played in the 1984 Winter Olympics and was named captain of the 1996 US team which upset Canada in the World Cup Final. Chelios remained captain for the 1998 Nagano Olympics, as well as the 2002 and 2006 Olympics. Chelios and his teammates took silver at Salt Lake City in 2002, the only medal Chelios has won aside from the 1996 World Cup.
He officially retired in August 2010 when he was 48 years old. He then started working as a hockey analyst.
Medal Record
- 2002 Winter Olympics - Silver
- 1996 World Cup of Hockey - Gold
- 1991 Canada Cup – Silver
