Red Wings D Chelios Returns Home To Chicago; Cup Runneth Over

August 25, 2008 9:50 a.m. EST

Chicago, IL (AHN) - What did Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios do when he took possession of the Stanley Cup?

Simple: he brought it home to Chicago to show it off.Chelios has returned to Chicago, after helping the Detroit Red Wings take home the 2008 Stanley Cup.

He hit the ground at O'Hare, and hasn't stopped running - carrying, in tow, his Stanley Cup.

Despite playing for another team, his reception was extremely warm - even moving. The local boy turned NHL star veteran threw out the first pitch at Wrigley field.

He also belted out a rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in the 7th inning that might have made American Idol judge Simon Cowell look at him with quizzical surprise - it was pretty darn good!

All in all, the 46-year-old player was happy to return.

"You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings," Chelios told the Chicago Tribune. "I found a new home in Detroit, but Chicago is always going to be home. My parents still live here, and I intend on coming back home here some day and spending the rest of my days here, whether it's as a player or somehow being involved with the Blackhawks."

The veteran is one of the most prolific hockey players in this generation.

Chelios has been in the NHL since He-man was considered a cutting edge cartoon. Drafted in 1984, he has played in a record 1,496 games - and he hasn't even begun talking about retirement...

... though maybe it's crossed his mind once or twice while running around Chicago with the energy of a 20 year old rookie.

His aspirations toward the Blackhawks have not gone unnoticed, and more than a few fans are excited to think he may return.

That will have to wait, however, as Chelios mulls his options for the coming season.