Detroit Red Wing's Chris Chelios and His Hockey Career

Chris Chelios was drafted to the NHL over twenty-five years ago. Chris Chelios was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 25, 1962, making him forty-seven years old and the oldest active player in the NHL. This defenseman is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds, which is a bit on the small size when you're talking about professional hockey players. Chris Chelios's hockey career starts in the 1976-1977 hockey season with the Moose Jaw Canucks, in the SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League). Chris Chelios spent three seasons with the Moose Jaw Canucks.

For the 1980-1981 season, Chris Chelios played with the Wisconsin Badgers for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association). Chris Chelios was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1981, 40th overall. Although he was drafted in 1981, Chris Chelios stayed with the Wisconsin Badgers until the end of the 1892-1983 season. In 1983, Chris Chelios made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens, but only played twelve games with them that season. In the 1984-1985 season, Chris Chelios got to play almost all of the regular season games with the Montreal Canadiens, and became a regular player with them. In the 1984-1985 season, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

The Montreal Canadiens were Chris Chelios's team until the end of the 1989-1990 season when he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. Chris Chelios is said to have had his best years with the Chicago Blackhawks. Chelios spent a great deal of his hockey career with the Blackhawks, he played with them until the end of the 1998-1999 season. During the 1994-1995 season, Chris Chelios took a time out from the NHL to go play for the EHC Biel in the Swiss-A league. He only played three games with them before going back to the Blackhawks. Chris Chelios was the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks from 1995 until his last season with them in 1999.

Chris Chelios was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for the 1999-2000 season. Chris Chelios has been playing with the Detroit Red Wings up until this last season (2008-2009). During the year of the NHL Lockout (2004-2005), Chelios played for the Motor City Mechanics in the UHL (United Hockey League). When the Lockout was over, Chelios immediately returned to his team, the Red Wings. Chelios and the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in the 2001-2002 and 2007-2008 season. Chris Chelios has been in the news recently stating that he would like to play another season, but his last contract with the Red Wings was only for a year, and is not likely going to be renewed.

With all this time in the NHL, it is not surprising that Chris Chelios has received many awards. In 1989, 1993, and 1996, Chris Chelios was the recipient of the James Norris Memorial Trophy for defenseman of the year. In 2007, he won the Mark Messier Leadership Award. In 1985, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie team. In 1989, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2002 Chelios was named to the First All-Star team. Chelios was also named to the Second All-Star team in 1991 and 1997. Chris Chelios has also played in the NHL All-Star game in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002. Being the oldest player in the NHL, it is not surprise that he also holds the records for most NHL games played.

Chris Chelios has also played for Team USA at many international hockey events. In 1984, 1987, 1991, and 2004, he played in the World Cup. In 1984, 1998, 2002, and 2006, Chris Chelios played in the Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in 2002. Chris Chelios also participated in the Canada Cup in 1984, 1987, and 1991.

ref-www.nhl.com