Chelios looks forward to coming home

It's not too often a member of the despised Detroit Red Wings can be introduced to a large crowd in Chicago and receive a warm, even rousing ovation.

But there aren't too many guys like Chris Chelios.

The Chicago native and former Blackhawks standout defenseman was in town Friday to throw out the first pitch and sing during the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field. And the 46-year-old accomplished both with the Stanley Cup - won by his Red Wings earlier this year - a constant companion.

"I know I bring it with the wrong team, but at least I brought it home," said Chelios, whose ceremonial first pitch - a high, hard one - went over the head of his catcher, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, before he found a bit more control on his second try.

If he signs a new deal with the Red Wings as he anticipates doing soon, Chelios will find himself right back at Wrigley Field in a few months when the Red Wings take on the Blackhawks on New Year's Day.

"It's going to be exciting. I was sitting here envisioning what it would look like with a hockey rink on the field," he said. "I know they've played football here in the past. It's going to be special - especially with me being from Chicago getting to be a part of history."

That Chicago connection is something Chelios can't and won't let go. So much so that he even insinuated Friday that he might like to finish his NHL career with the Hawks, even if that means he would be nearing 50 by that time.

"You don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. I've found a new home with Detroit, but Chicago is always going to be home and my parents are here," he said. "I intend on coming back here someday and living the rest of my days whether it's as a player or just somehow maybe involved with the Blackhawks."

He's sure liked what he's seen from his former team in the short time since Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough started running the show.

"They've made all the right moves," said Chelios a second-round pick ... in the 1981 NHL draft. "They've got a great young nucleus with this team and the management, with what they've done is just tremendous for the fans.

"It's been a long time coming since you felt that buzz. I can't say I wish I was a part of it right now because I'm a Red Wing, but it's great to see the fans excited about Blackhawks hockey."