Annals of Longevity

Chelios Joins A.H.L. Wolves

The Chicago Wolves of the A.H.L. announced on Monday that they have signed 47-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios, assuring that the three-time Norris Trophy-winning Chicago native will play pro for a 27th consecutive season.

Chelios, who played for the Canadiens, Blackhawks and Red Wings and won three Stanley Cups in an N.H.L. career that ended when Detroit declined to sign him after last spring’s Cup final, joins the Wolves after a 1-5 start that led to the firing of coach Don Granato on Monday. In addition to those three N.H.L. clubs Chelios also played 3 games for EHC Biel in the Swiss N.L.A. during the 1994-95 lockout, 23 for the Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League during the 2004-5 lockout, and 2 for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the A.H.L. last season.

Chelios is also involved in a move by the troubled N.H.L. Players Association to investigate the union’s constitution and the possible ouster of some officers in the wake of last summer’s sudden firing of executive director Paul Kelly.