Nov 24, 2009 8:45 pm US/Central
Chicago Native Chris Chelios Can't Stay Off Ice
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Brett Favre, 40, isn't the only ageless wonder in the world of sports. Chris Chelios is staring 50 in the face, but as CBS 2's Megan Mawicke reports, the Chicago native still can't stay off the ice.
The newest kid on the block for the Chicago Wolves has made a huge impact on the team in just one month. Well, Chris Chelios isn't really a fuzzy-cheeked youngster at 47.
"When you hang around kids that are 20 years younger, you have a lot of fun. It's like being with my kids," said Chelios.
"It's hard to imagine playing another 22 years," said 25-year-old Forward Brett Sterling. "I would like to think I could, but sometimes I wake up and think it is not possible."
"He's probably the hardest working person out there still, conditioning-wise. It's amazing at his age what he can do, and I think the most important thing he has is the love for the game," says head coach Don Lever.
Chelios says there are mornings where his body struggles to do this.
"Every day, but I just keep moving and if I don't take a day off or two, I'm OK," Chelios said. "It's like anybody else. When you leave a car in the garage for a month or two, it doesn't run as well."
He's running very well these days. In 13 games, he leads Wolves defensemen with nine points and has had four multi-assist games. But he's still getting used to playing 25 minutes a game, and of course, the transportation in the minor leagues.
"The toughest thing is the preparation. Just getting in on the days of the games. You know, flying in on the days of the games which I really hate," said Chelios. "The bus rides are fun. You play cards and you get to know the guys, so it's really not that bad."
Chelios isn't just playing with the Wolves to get his hockey fix and have a little fun. He is serious about making a return to the NHL and ideally he would like to play for the Blackhawks.
"I'm not going to sit here and kid myself, it would be great to make that step again. But right now, I'm here now and just concentrating and getting better with this team," said Chelios. "As long as I can continue to help this team, and enjoy myself which is the main thing. I'm still playing at this age because I love playing. Just step in and have fun."
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
The Tattooed Ladies of Hollywood
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments