Chelios retires, joins Red Wings' front office

[Forkboy]

One of the better defenseman to ever play the game, even though he pissed me off while in Montreal.

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After a playing career that lasted nearly three decades, Chris Chelios finally is hanging up the blades.

The 48-year-old, who appeared in 1,651 NHL games (the most by a defenseman), accepted a position with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday to become an Advisor to Hockey Operations. A three-time Norris Trophy winner as the League's best blueliner, Chelios was a part of three Stanley Cup championship teams -- one with Montreal (1986) and two with Detroit (2002 and 2008).

Chelios finished his career with 185 goals and 763 assists. He also racked up 2,891 minutes in penalties. In 266 playoff contests, Chelios had 31 goals, 113 assists and 423 penalty minutes.

"I guess I've been dreading this day for a long time," said Chelios, who was drafted in the second round by the Montreal Canadiens in 1981. "For the past 27 years, I've been a member of the NHL. I never took it for granted one day of my whole career. I have no regrets."

A Chicago native, Chelios represented the United States four times at the Olympics (1984, 1998, 2002, 2006). He also represented the U.S. in three Canada Cups (1984, 1987, 1991), two World Cup of Hockey events (1996, 2004) and once at the World Junior Championship (1982). He made his NHL debut in 1984 and finished second to Mario Lemieux in the Calder Trophy voting as the NHL's top rookie.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=536651

[backwoodsbob]

1. good for him

BIG :hug: For Chelly

I WISH he had went back home to join a front office but if not that I'm glad Detroit was smart enough to get him.

[Forkboy]

2. I always had a grudging respect for him. He was one of those guys you hate..unless he's on YOUR team

He's a hockey guy, the type who just wants to be around the game in any capacity. I was hoping he'd take a spot along these lines. He has too much knowledge about the position to waste. I would have preferred it be for the Hawks, but this is good.

My friend was such a big fan of his that he asked me to draw him. Ended up as one of the few pictures I'll brag about. ;)

[backwoodsbob]

3. VERY good

you have talent.

If you had put him in a Detroit uniform I'd say you were a genius :)

Chelly is great.honestly,as a Detroiter for MANY years,I wish Chicago had got him...but he's a great person.

[joeybee12]

4. So, was he named for the cereal, or was the cereal named for him..

Oh wait, Chelios! How embarrassing! :blush: