Here's a list of notable events on February 25 in Chicago Blackhawks history.
2024: Chris Chelios' Jersey Retirement Ceremony
On February 25, 2024, the Blackhawks retired Chris Chelios' jersey No. 7 in a star-studded event at the United Center.
Chelios, a hometown kid, threw quite the star-studded party as he entered into Blackhawks immortality. From Eddie Vedder to Dennis Rodman to a slew of beloved former Hawks, the guest list was robust as Chelios delivered a heartfelt speech with countless thanks.
Chelios spent parts of nine seasons with the Blackhawks and scored 487 points (92 goals, 395 assists) in 664 regular-season games. The durable defenseman added 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in 65 playoff games with Chicago.
2024: Patrick Kane Writes Storybook Ending in Return to United Center
On February 25, 2024, Patrick Kane returned to the United Center for the first time since the Blackhawks traded him in 2023.
After all the fanfare of Chris Chelios' jersey retirement ceremony, Kane was the next Chicago legend to enter the spotlight. During the first media timeout of the game, the Blackhawks honored Kane with a tribute video, which was followed by a thunderous ovation from the United Center crowd.
Beyond all the fanfare, the game was a thriller. The Detroit Red Wings jumped ahead thanks to Daniel Sprong's first-period goal. Tallies from MacKenzie Entwistle and Nick Foligno put the Blackhawks up 2-1 in the second period. The Red Wings found an equalizer with under five minutes left in the third as Kane assisted on Alex DeBrincat's bad-angle shot.
In overtime, it was Showtime. The Original Six rivals exchanged a few chances before Kane found himself on a breakaway, which he capped off with a top-shelf snipe past Petr Mrazek to hand his former team a 3-2 loss.
After an emphatic celebration, Kane took a final lap and lauded the Blackhawks crowd for the warm welcome back.
Notable Blackhawks Birthdays
Joakim Nordstrom , a 2015 Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks, was born on February 25, 1992. A third-round pick by Chicago in the 2010 NHL Draft, Nordstrom scored six points (one goal, five assists) in 54 regular-season games with the Blackhawks. The Swedish forward appeared in 10 playoff games with Chicago before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes along with Kris Versteeg on Sept. 11, 2015.
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