B'Hawks Chelios Placed On IR

Nine-time All-Star Chris Chelios of the Chicago Blackhawks, a three-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, was placed on the injured reserve list with a pulled groin Friday.

The 36-year-old Chelios suffered the injury early in the second period of Thursday's 10-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He did not return, and after an examination today, was put on the IR.

Chelios is currently fifth on the Blackhawks -- and first among the team's defenseman -- with seven points, including five assists. He will miss at least three games and is not eligible to return until November 21st when the Blackhawks visit Los Angeles.

A 16-year veteran, Chelios was awarded the Norris Trophy in 1989 as a member of the Montreal Canadiens and in 1993 and 1996 with the Blackhawks. He led Chicago in scoring in 1996 with 72 points, becoming the first defenseman in franchise history to accomplish that feat.

Chelios has finished no lower than eighth in Norris Trophy voting since 1989, including being the runner-up in 1995 and finishing third in 1991. Twice he has recorded a team-record 58 assists for the Blackhawks.

After spending the first seven years of his career in Montreal, Chelios was traded to Chicago on June 29th, 1990 in exchange for center Denis Savard. He made an immediate impact, recording 64 points, which tied for his second-highest total to that point. In 1991-92, his 56 points helped propel the Blackhawks into the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in 19 years.

Chelios, who also is the Blackhawks' career leader in penalty minutes, is one of just 128 players to have participated in 1,000 career games.

Chicago, which is currently 4-9-2 and in last place in the Central Division with 10 points, visits Buffalo on Sunday to begin a stretch in which it will play seven of the next eight away from home to close the month.

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