Pearl Jam tells Chelios news of Blackhawks honor

Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios will have his No. 7 jersey retired by the Chicago Blackhawks in a pregame ceremony at the United Center on Feb. 25, 2024, it was announced Thursday night.

The news was revealed during a Pearl Jam concert Thursday night at the United Center. Chelios, who is a good friend of the band's frontman, Eddie Vedder, was brought on stage for the surprise announcement.

A Blackhawks Legend and Chicago Icon: Cheli is going to the rafters 👏 pic.twitter.com/6fyOeQ34v1

Chelios, who retired from the NHL in 2010 after 26 seasons, will be honored before the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings. He played nine seasons in Chicago and 10 in Detroit.

Chelios, 61, won three Stanley Cup titles during his career -- one with the Montreal Canadiens and two with the Red Wings. He also played briefly for the Atlanta Thrashers.

Chelios won the Norris Trophy three times as the NHL's top defenseman and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.