Chelios to serve as Blackhawks team ambassador

The Blackhawks announced that Chris Chelios will serve as a team ambassador, joining Tony Esposito, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Denis Savard in the role. The official announcement will come at the Blackhawks Convention this weekend.

"To be able to join the Blackhawks organization in this role means everything to me," said Chelios. "I'm very thankful to Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough for this opportunity to return to the Blackhawks. Chicago is my hometown and returning to this organization is very special to me and my family."

Chelios played nine seasons (1990-99) for the Blackhawks, scoring 92 goals and adding 487 assists in 664 games. He is fourth in goals, assists and points among Hawks defensemen. He won the Norris Trophy with the Hawks twice - in 1993 and 1996 - and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.

"We are excited to welcome Chris back to the Blackhawks family," Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough said. "His outstanding Blackhawks career and his passion for the game will complement the work that our current ambassadors carry out to represent the organization."

Chelios, who served as Blackhawks captain from 1995-99, was a member of the Detroit Red Wings front office for the last eight seasons.