“Don’t go stealing my thunder,” Chris Chelios WARNS Patrick Kane as Blackhawks No.7 retirement ceremony CLASHES with icons return to United Center

The United Center houses two Blackhawks icons at the same time, Chris Chelios and Patrick Kane, as fans go crazy for their return.

“Don’t go stealing my thunder,” Chris Chelios WARNS Patrick Kane as Blackhawks No.7 retirement ceremony CLASHES with icons return to United Center

Patrick Kane and Chris Chelios. [Image Credit: Imago/X]

Sunday seemed like a crazy day for the Chicago Blackhawks fans as they got to see both icons sharing the same ice at the United Center. The Hawks retired Chris Chelios No.7 with an emotional tribute and speech while Patrick Kane, the team’s No.1 pick in 2007, returned on former home ice since the draft to Detroit Red Wings.

Several thousands of fans lined up along Madison Street to get a good position to watch the pregame hosted by Pat Foley. The pregame discussion talked about Chelios’ former teammates and his days in Chicago. It was a moment where icons of different generations met each other, including the super rookie Connor Bedard.

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At 3.15 pm, the tribute video started where Chelios’ former teammates, family, and friends made an incredible entrance. The ceremony was followed up by his speech where he jokingly warned Patrick Kane to not snatch the spotlight. “…just be careful, don’t go stealing my thunder, OK? Chelios jokingly commented.

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The path, the journey…where I came from…I couldn’t be more proud to represent you, the Chicago Blackhawks, the city of Chicago, as one of your own.
Chris Chelios as per NBC Sports Chicago.

Chris Chelios highly praises Patrick Kane as one of the best players in NHL

While wrapping up his emotional speech, he mentioned Patrick Kane, the franchise icon and another returning star on the ice. While giving a shoutout to the team’s core members from his chronicled era, Chris Chelios couldn’t help but name Kane as one of the greatest players of the franchise.

Patrick Kane and Chris Chelios. [Image Credit: Imago/NBC Chicago]
Patrick Kane and Chris Chelios. [Image Credit: Imago/NBC Chicago]

A loud ovation deafened the arena, as Kane’s name is mentioned. Despite Kane playing with another team, he remains one of the core members of the Blackhawks and a fan favorite of Chicago City. Chelios commented,

I’ve got to include him: This guy will go down as the greatest American-born player. Patrick Kane, unbelievable.
Chris Chelios as per NBC Sports Chicago.

After his speech, No.7 was raised to the rafters where it’ll be glorified forever with other eight numbers and more to come in the future. Following the ceremony, a 30-minute cool-down session was maintained before the game between the Red Wings and the Blackhawks began. 

Kane’s return to Chicago ended as a fairy tale story as the Red Wings won 3-2 against the Blackhawks. Kane commented on Chris Chelios’ speech saying he “thought he forgot about me”. He talked about how they’ve been great friends for a long time and it was nice seeing his jersey hang in the rafters. 

Former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman made an appearance to honor Chelios stating, “They still love you, Dennis!” GOAT Michael Jordan was also on the list but the icon due to a death in the family. However, he sent a video tribute to congratulate his longtime friend on the occasion.

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