Panel of Former Blackhawks Recall Their Time With Chris Chelios

A panel of four former Blackhawks teammates gathered with hall of fame broadcaster and former Hawks play-by-play man Pat Foley to discuss their time with Chris Chelios. The four included defenseman Gary Suter, goaltender Ed Belfour, and forwards Tony Amonte and Jeremy Roenick.

All four spent time with Chelios during the 90’s Blackhawks teams that were a force from the early 90’s until he was dealt to Detroit in 1999. Amonte and Roenick also played on an Olympic team with him, while Amonte was a member of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey winning United States team.

The theme was familiar–the love for Chelios as a teammate and captain and Chelios’ same love for his teammates, people, and the game of hockey.

“Nobody throws a party like Chris Chelios, nobody brings people together like Chris Chelios,” said former teammate Jeremy Roenick.

Indeed, the party started early at the United Center with fans lined up and down Madison waiting to get in for the festivities. The panel proved to be a popular way to cheer on former Hawks.

Suter: ‘For Love of the Game, You’d See a Picture of Chris Chelios’

Foley commented that he wondered what the former Blackhawks defenseman would do when he finally retired. Foley also told the crowd that he played six season on a torn ACL, something that the Red Wings were baffled by when he was acquired by Detroit in the trade.

Suter also played at the University of Wisconsin with Chelios but the theme was similar whether in the college ranks for in the University of Wisconsin. But Suter spoke directly to what Chelios meant to the game of hockey.

Belfour recalled a story where Chelios offered some advice to the netminder who openly admitted that he would be clearing out his crease with “chops” to opposing players. Chelios did warn him about one particular player, however.

“‘Maybe you might not want to chop Bob Probert anymore,'” Belfour said to laughs.

But Amonte likely summed up what many have said before when they recall Chelios’ playing career.

“When I think of Chris, I think of a warrior,” Amonte said. “The best captain I ever played with.”