From the Archive: Chris Chelios, the Red Wings' American Rock
From September 2004: On Chris Chelios' longevity
American Rock by Kevin Allen
From September 7th, 2004 / Vol. 58, Issue 2
Chris Chelios is proof that a true appreciation of the bountiful harvest can only come to those who know what it's like to be hungry.No player is inhaling the atmosphere of the World Cup of Hockey with greater enjoyment than the 42-year-old Chelios. Everyone has taken note of how elated he seems to be part of this group that has known plenty of success during his connection with USA's program.Some say Chelli seems almost sentimental about being with this veteran collection of American talent.“It's just so much fun to look at the skill level of this team and compare it to my first Canada Cup (in 1984),” said Chelios, chuck-ling. “We had guys like (tough guy) Chris Nilan and he was our leading goal scorer in that tournament with two goals.”
Chelios is wearing the Team USA sweater for the 10th time. He made his first appearance for the U.S. National Junior Team in 1982 and launched his career at a time when the U.S. was just starting to expand its hockey web. “I was the only American in my junior league,” remembered Chelios, who played for Moose Jaw in the Western League.
Those who have been around the U.S. program for many years appreciate that Chelios was one the first Americans to enter these kinds of tournaments believing that winning was the only acceptable objective.
“I'm not sure that folks took it seriously enough back then,” Chelios said. “The only real rivalry was always us and Russia. Now I think we have taken big strides.”
“I DON'T THINK IT'S AS MUCH THAT I ENJOY WINNING IT'S THAT I HATE LOSING,”
Big strides include winning the World Cup in 1996 and the silver medal at the 2002 Olympics. The late Herb Brooks didn't know Chelios very well and wasn't even sure he was going to name him to the team until he flew to Los Angeles to meet him. After meeting Chelios, Brooks not only put him on the team, he named him captain. Brooks said later he hadn't met many players who were more determined than Chelios to help the Americans find success on the ice.
“I'm pretty proud of what we have accomplished,” Chelios said. “We can't compete with Canada's depth, but as far as skill level we are as good as every other country.”
BEING COMPETITIVE NOT ENOUGH
In the early days of Team USA's competition in the Canada Cup, U.S. players felt outmatched and were content if they could be competitive. To Chelios, being competitive wasn't enough. He certainly didn't want to believe the U.S. needed a miracle to win a gold medal.
“I don't enjoy the winning, but the losing gets to me. I wish I could enjoy winning more, but really it's more of a relief when I win. I think that's what drives me the most.”
That molten inner drive also explains why he's still playing at a high level at his age. His new contract with the Detroit Red Wings is all but finalized and he will be 43 by the end of next season. To put that into perspective, remember that Gordie Howe was 43 when he retired for the first time, from the Wings.
That's noteworthy to mention because Team USA GM Larry Pleau sees a comparison between the longevity that Howe and Chelios have enjoyed.
“They both just love the game,” Pleau said. “They have the passion to play. And they both have that competitive edge.”
U.S. coach Ron Wilson turns 50 this season and he played against Chelios for four seasons. “It's almost like he's my peer,” Wilson said. “He is a role model for everyone in terms of how he prepares. I guarantee you he would dare you to beat him in any kind of fitness test.”
Not long after the NHL season ends, Chelios jets to Southern California where he works with trainer T.R, Goodman to keep his conditioning top notch.
Not only is Chelios a physical marvel, but his play is still at an elite level. Under Wilson, the Americans are playing a 2-1-2 forechecking system and Wilson wants his defensemen joining the rush. Chelios is penciled in for a full complement of minutes. The Americans are making speed central to their attack and Chelios has no difficulty keeping up.
“My legs are not my problem,” said Chelios, proudly. “I don't have any trouble keeping up with anybody.”
He was one of the best players in a 3-1 triumph against Canada in a pre-tournament game. Wilson hadn't named a captain of the U.S. squad through the first few exhibition games; instead, he asked a handful of veteran players to serve as informal leadership committee. But the players don't need a team vote or a coach's validation to know that Chelios is their leader.
“It's his personality,” said teammate Brian Leetch. “He treats everyone like he's their best friend.”
PLAYING PAST 45
Wilson looks at Leetch and Chelios on his blueline and he says he's reminded of the contributions Slava Fetisov and Alexei Kasatonov made to the Central Red Army team for so many years. U.S. hockey insiders don't believe it's a coincidence that the Americans have; enjoyed their most consistent international success during the watch of Chelios and Leetch. “We have been fortunate to have them as our anchors,” Wilson said.
Chelios is still playing at high enough level that it's not outlandish to wonder whether Chelios is flirting with the idea of playing past age 45. In this era, with the challenging travel and the schedule that NHL teams endure, it seems unfathomable that a player could play beyond 50 as Howe did.
“You just never know,” Chelios said. “Five years ago I thought I was done in Chicago and we were talking about a management job.”
He says the trade to Detroit re-energized him to the point that he won't make any predictions about his endpoint.
But not surprisingly, the three-time American Olympian has a back-up plan for competition if he isn't in the NHL in 2006. He's actually been talking to some friends about forming a bobsled team to compete for Greece in the 2006 Olympics in Italy. He has seriously explored the possibility. Chelios's parents are from Greece, and there is tremendous family pride in their heritage.
“I don't know if I'm eligible, but I'm there if I am,” Chelios said.
Given how intense Chelios is about preparing himself for competition, no one doubts the sincerity of that pursuit.
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