Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios was selected for induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday.

Chelios, 49, played 26 seasons in the NHL, with Montreal, Chicago, Detroit and, briefly at the end of his career, Atlanta. He retired followed the 2009-10 season as the all-time leader in games played by a defenseman with 1,651.

He is regarded by many as the greatest American-born player in NHL history. He is certain to be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013, his first year of eligibility.

"I couldn't have been more excited when I got the call,'' Chelios said during a teleconference. "My family, my friends, my coaches, I've been mentioning to them over the course of the past two weeks (about the U.S. Hall), they're as excited as I am about it. USA hockey has come a long way.''

Chelios is a three-time captain of the U.S. Olympic team and the only player to represent the U.S. on four Olympic squads. He credits the 1980 "Miracle on Ice'' U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team for much of his success.

"Once I saw what they accomplished, I wanted to be in their skates,'' Chelios said. "That's what motivated me. Great incentive, great guys.''

In his current capacity as the Red Wings advisor to hockey operations Chelios works with the organization's young defensemen in Grand Rapids. He periodically helps Griffins head coach Curt Fraser and assistant coach Jim Paek with on-ice drills

“I really enjoy teaching,'' Chelios said. "With the great coaches I've had hopefully I can use that to help these young kids in our system to make them better players.''

Chelios played in parts of 10 seasons with the Red Wings, winning Stanley Cups in 2002 and 2008. He also won a Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.

He is three-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman.

Keith Tkachuk and Gary Suter also were selected for induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. They were joined by Philadelphia Flyers founder and current owner Ed Snider along with play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick, who is from Marysville.

Tkachuk said of Chelios: “He was a big role model for me, getting to play against him and play with him (on Team USA). We always joked that he's the Godfather of USA Hockey. Seeing what kind of teammate he is made me better through the course of my career.''

The formal induction will take place this fall. The date will be announced next week.