Chris Chelios at The National 2017

Chris Chelios played an unbelievable 26 years in the NHL, 8+ with my beloved Blackhawks. That career, ended after the 2009-10 season with the Atlanta Thrashers, earned him an enshrinement into the Hall of Fame.

Prior to his NHL career, Chelios was an outstanding prep player. He even played at Mt. Carmel, my alma mater. It's a long-running joke among my friends that no other duo of Mt. Carmel alums played as many games as Cheli and I. Together we played 1,651 games in the NHL. Of course, I played none, but that doesn't get in the way of a (bad) joke.

Actually, Cheli didn't attend Mt. Carmel for long. Despite him being 3 years older than me, we weren't even there at the same time. I think he played his freshamn year at MC, before the family moved to the west coast.

Despite his Chicago roots and his time playing for the Hawks, I had never met Cheli until last year at The National. He looked to still be in playing shape, despite being 55 years old.

I mentioned our MC connection (but not the bad joke). We talked a bit about his son Jake (then playing defense in the AHL) and daughter Caley (a sports reporter in Tampa).

It was a thrill to meet Cheli. Because of ages and proximity, I really followed Cheli's career for more than 30 years. (How had he really escaped me until then?)

Chris Chelios and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Chris Chelios at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show runs February 8-17 at McCormick Place on Chicago's lake shore. I will be "On the Beat" as always, but for now I am recalling some fun times over the years at the Chicago Auto Show.

Chris Chelios was born in Chicago and briefly attended my alma mater Mount Carmel High School. Chris moved out west, but returned to the midwest to attend the University of Wisconsin. He went on to play 26 seasons in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers. He also played in the 2002 Olympics.

When I saw Chris would be at the Chicago Auto Show last year, I made him my top target to meet. For as big of a presence he has had in Chicago over the years, I have only met him a couple times.

Chris looked well-tanned and in great shape. He's loving life. His daughter Caley is a radio color analyst for the Tampa Bay Lightning. His son Jake is a defenseman currently playing for the Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League. He made his NHL debut last seaqson, logging in seven games for the Red Wings.

As a longtime fan of Chris, I was really happy to chat with him a bit. Judging by the long line after me, I'd say he still has a ton of fans in Chicago.

Go to ChicagoAutoShow.com for all of the info. Also check Chicago Auto Show on Facebook to get more frequent updates.

Chris Chelios and me in Chicago, IL-February 2019.