Pearl Jam breaks news of Chris Chelios' Blackhawks jersey retirement: 'Deeply honored to tell you'

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Earlier next year, the Chicago Blackhawks will hang legendary NHL defenseman Chris Chelios' No. 7 jersey in the rafters. 

The Hall of Famer and three-time Stanley Cup champion will be honored in a pregame ceremony at the Blackhawks' home arena on February 25, 2024. Pearl Jam was playing a concert at the United Center in Chicago and made the announcement about the pending jersey retirement during the show.

Chelios was on hand to watch his friend and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder perform some of the band's biggest hits. He made an appearance on stage for the special announcement.

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Hockey: NHL Playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks Chris Chelios (97) in action vs. Pittsburgh Penguins. Game 1. Pittsburgh. (David E. Klutho /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Chelios was one of the longest-tenured players in modern NHL history, playing 26 seasons. He retired from hockey in 2010.

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He spent nine seasons with the Blackhawks and ten years with the Detroit Red Wings. His jersey will be retired prior to Chicago's game against the Red Wings.

"We are entering a new era of Blackhawks hockey on the ice, but the importance of honoring past members of this organization is, and always will be, a priority," Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said. "Chris Chelios represents not only the Blackhawks, but, given his roots here, the city of Chicago."

Former Blackhawks owner and chairman Rocky Wirtz died in July. He was the fifth owner in franchise history, having inherited it from his father, Bill in 2007.

Wirtz said