The Chicago Blackhawks retired Chris Chelios' No. 7 jersey Sunday during a pregame ceremony that highlighted the defenseman's hard-charging lifestyle on and off the ice.

Prior to a 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings, Chelios, dressed in all black and surrounded by family, friends and former teammates, blew kisses to the cheering crowd after he was introduced. There were chants of "Cheli! Cheli!"

"The path, the journey, where we came from, where I came from, it's so hard to believe this is happening," Chelios said.