Wolves, Chelios excited about Chicago reunion
On a morning perfectly tailored for a nice bowl of Cheli's Chili, former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios took the ice for the first time with the Chicago Wolves in Hoffman Estates, and by the time the final whistle had blown the 47-year-old had warmed to the idea of playing in Chicago once again.
"Coming to Chicago is great; the Wolves have given me a great opportunity," Chelios said. "I'm realistic at my age. I'm lucky I've got a chance to play."
Chelios, who has played for three NHL teams during his 25-year career, is hoping to use his time with the Wolves as a steppingstone for a return to the NHL. Last season, the three-time Norris Trophy recipient played sparingly for the Detroit Red Wings.
"My situation is I wait a little bit and hopefully something opens up (in the NHL); that ultimately is my goal," the Chicago native said. "But I don't want to jeopardize the Wolves' chances."
Though nothing has been set in ink yet, Chelios said the plan is to work himself into shape and begin playing in a week or so after he signs a 25-game professional tryout contract.
"It's a challenge," he said. "I want to see if I can play - it's been a while. "
Chelios' arrival at practice Monday caused a stir both on and off the ice.
"It's a huge honor," said Wolves defenseman Brendan Buckley. "All the success he's had in the National Hockey League and hockey all around. It's awesome growing up watching him and now getting to skate with him - you just try to watch him and learn from him."
"I'm very excited, certainly selfishly from a coach's side, to add a guy like that to the mix," Wolves coach Don Granato said. "Everybody's very, very excited. Why wouldn't they be?"
Off the ice a few extra fans showed up to get a glimpse of the veteran defenseman.
Very veteran, to some.
"Just look for the old guy," one young girl said to her friends as they walked into the rink and peered through the glass.
Chelios, whose first word to the media after stepping off the ice was "tired," may be twice as old as some of the players he was skating with, but it sure didn't show on the ice as he led the defensemen in sprints at the end of practice.
"He's in really good shape," Buckley said.
And he's ready to provide a key role for the young Wolves, who have struggled to an 0-3 start this season.
"I guess leadership and experience, that's been my role for the last four years," Chelios said. "But by no means am I here just to teach. I want to help the team win."