Chris chelios biography

While other players his age were traveling around with high-level programs, Chelios was playing for an L. The league was dominated by Canadians. College recruiters and NHL scouts preferred crossing the northern border to find top-notch talent. But for Chris, ignorance was bliss. But at that time of my life, I was spending more time on the beach than on the ice.

Almost every day, Chris went surfing, cliff jumping, and racing down mountains on motorbikes. By his high school graduation, approximately zero college recruiters had ever heard of Chris Chelios. In the fall, Chris enrolled there with the idea to try out for the team as a walk-on. It looked as if my hockey career was over before it truly began.

I walked out of the restaurant and vowed that I would never work for my father again. It was a vow that I kept. It presented itself one day on La Jolla Shores Beach. He bumped into Bobby Parker, another guy who tried out for the local college team. Parker made the squad but told Chris it was a bad fit and he was going back home. Height and Physical Attributes Standing at 6 feet tall, Chelios was known for his strong defensive play and ability to shut down opposing forwards.

His physical style of play often made him a target for opposing players, but he never backed down from a challenge. Throughout his career, he earned a substantial income from his playing contracts, endorsements, and appearances. He was heavily criticized for this decision as the UHL has a maximum salary in place, but at the same time he was strongly against a salary cap in the NHL.

In October , he trained with the U. On August 4, , the year-old re-signed with the Red Wings for a one-year contract.

Chris chelios biography

On July 3, , Chelios became the active leader for most games played upon the retirement of teammate Steve Yzerman. On April 21, , he became the oldest defenseman to score a short-handed goal in the NHL in a playoff game against the Calgary Flames. By participating in ice hockey at the Winter Olympics , Chelios set a new standard, by becoming the first player to take part in an Olympic ice hockey tournament twenty-two years after he played in his first.

Chelios re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings for the —08 season. Only Gordie Howe , who played until age 52, was older. Later that season, Chelios also became the oldest active player to win the Stanley Cup. He signed another one-year contract with the Red Wings for the —09 season. At 46 years of age, he became the oldest player in the year history of the AHL.

Chelios remained with the Wolves until he was recalled to the Thrashers, [17] hoping that he could provide a spark for the team's playoff hopes. He was 48 years of age. In July , Chelios announced that he was leaving the Detroit area, and the Red Wings front office, to return to Chicago to be close to his family. At the same time, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that Chelios was being brought on board to serve as an ambassador for the franchise.