- Jan 22, 2007
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As many fans do--I enjoy looking at modern players and comparing them to previous era players and all-time greats. When I look at some of the elite, young defensemen we have today, I can see "stylistic comparisons" to guys like Leetch, Bourque, Lidstrom, Coffey, Housley, etc. But, will we ever see another Chris Chelios?
When looking at Chelios--he was such a rare bird--and not just in his style of play. He was a late bloomer who gave up hockey before college. While sitting on the beach with a friend, he ended up being recruited to leave San Diego to try out for a team in Moose Jaw. He was asked to play defense (instead of forward) and he blossomed. But this was a kid who came to terms with never pursuing hockey as a career.
After Moose Jaw he ended up representing Team USA and ultimately being drafted in the 2nd round (40th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens.
When you look at Cheli's NHL career, it gets even more impressive. He won 3 Norris Trophies and 3 Stanley Cups. He scored just under 1,000 points and racked up close to 3,000 career PIM. By all accounts, he was considered the best teammate by multiple ex-teammates, and he was considered the greatest competitor ever by at least two coaches during his career.
He was the ultimate leader--beloved by his teammates--and feared on the ice. He was considered the Godfather of USA Hockey. Not only was he physical, he was an absolute madman at times. He was brilliant in his own end and was elite offensively. He could pass and fire well-placed slappers from the point. He could kill penalties, log 30 minutes a night if needed, and QB the top PP unit.
And, of course, he played FOREVER.
Do we ever get to see someone like Chelios ever again?
When looking at Chelios--he was such a rare bird--and not just in his style of play. He was a late bloomer who gave up hockey before college. While sitting on the beach with a friend, he ended up being recruited to leave San Diego to try out for a team in Moose Jaw. He was asked to play defense (instead of forward) and he blossomed. But this was a kid who came to terms with never pursuing hockey as a career.
After Moose Jaw he ended up representing Team USA and ultimately being drafted in the 2nd round (40th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens.
When you look at Cheli's NHL career, it gets even more impressive. He won 3 Norris Trophies and 3 Stanley Cups. He scored just under 1,000 points and racked up close to 3,000 career PIM. By all accounts, he was considered the best teammate by multiple ex-teammates, and he was considered the greatest competitor ever by at least two coaches during his career.
He was the ultimate leader--beloved by his teammates--and feared on the ice. He was considered the Godfather of USA Hockey. Not only was he physical, he was an absolute madman at times. He was brilliant in his own end and was elite offensively. He could pass and fire well-placed slappers from the point. He could kill penalties, log 30 minutes a night if needed, and QB the top PP unit.
And, of course, he played FOREVER.
Do we ever get to see someone like Chelios ever again?
