Chris Chelios became the first American-born player to win the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman when he received the award as a member of the Montreal Canadiens in 1988-89. Chelios was also the Norris Trophy winner with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1992-93 and 1995-96.
Internationally, Chelios represented the United States at the World Junior Championship in 1982 and played for the U.S. National and Olympic teams in 1983-84. He was a member of the American squad at the Canada Cup tournament in 1984, 1987 and 1991. He was named an All-Star at the 1991 tournament and was selected as an All-Star again in 1996 when he was a key contributor to the U.S. team that beat Canada at the World Cup of Hockey. Chelios also played for the U.S. Olympic Team in Nagano in 1998. Chelios returned to the Olympics in 2002 captaining Team U.S.A. to a silver medal while being named to the tournament all star team and Best Defenseman. Chelios, at the age of 42, was still considered one of the best defenseman in his country when he joined Team USA for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Despite being the defending champions, they were unable to get past the semi-finals. |