Chelios Earns Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Honor

Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios, considered one of best American-born players in NHL history, was named Friday to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

The Red Wings acquired Chelios from the Chicago Blackhawks in 1999. They gave up two first-round picks and defenseman Anders Eriksson to land the prickly competitor. Chelios ended up playing longer in Detroit (parts of 10 seasons) than he did in his native Chicago (nine seasons).

While playing for the Red Wings at age 40, Chelios was plus-40 and finished runner-up for the Norris Trophy. Chelios was known throughout his career for his superb conditioning.

Chelios helped the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup in 2002 and 2008. He played in the NHL until he was 48.

The 2025 class also includes former Detroit Pistons player Rasheed Wallace, boxer Claressa Shields, 1999 Mr. Basketball Jason Richardson, former Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio, former Detroit Tigers general manager David Dombrowski, and Detroit Free Press baseball writer John Lowe.

Induction in December

They will be inducted on Dec. 19 at the Sound Board Theater at Motor City Casino Hotel.

The class was selected by the Hall of Fame’s Election Task Force, a Statewide Election Committee, and the public. The Election Task Force, comprised of current and former journalists, sports executives, and other diverse and knowledgeable members of the community, also played a role in the selection process.

John Falk (University of Michigan football) and Jim Schmakel (Detroit Tigers Clubhouse manager) will both be honored with the Michigan Treasure Award for their behind-the-scenes work.

The late Andy Isaac receives the Courage Award for his humorous and joyful social media posts about Detroit sports, even while he battled cancer

Carolyn King Lewis will also receive the Gerald R. Ford  Award for paving the way for girls to play Little League baseball in Ypsilanti in the 1970s.