In the long storied history of the Chicago Blackhawks, there have been a plethora of stars who happened to be American. With the country about to celebrate the 4th of July, what a great time to look back at many of those stars who represented the Stars and Stripes.
This will be a feature through the 4th of July and we started with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. Today we’re looking at Chris Chelios, who is often referred to as the Godfather of American hockey.
Chelios Was a Trailblazer for American Hockey
His career starting in the same era of the Miracle on Ice, Chelios’ third season in the league came with a Stanley Cup. In 1990, his career with Chicago began when he was traded from Montreal for Denis Savard. With Chicago, his career spanned until 1999 until being dealt to the Detroit Red Wings.
Chelios is 20th in points all-time among Blackhawks and won the Norris Trophy twice as the league’s best defenseman. A five-time all-star with Chicago, he was known for his ferocious and tough nosed play as a defenseman. Named the Blackhawks captain in 1996, Chelios also helped the US win the first World Cup of Hockey. Regardless of the international acclaim, it was a cherry on top of cementing him as one of the greatest American players.
Blackhawks Legacy Muddled by Trade for a Time
Though it cooled considerably recently, the trade to Detroit dampened the affection many Blackhawks had for Chelios. But after being brought back as an ambassador in 2018, some of the hard feelings melted away. Chelios still stands fourth all-time among Blackhawks defensemen in points and inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame back in 2009.
Though it can be argued as to who the greater American born Blackhawk, Kane and Chelios stand as the two greatest in the history of the organization.
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