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My second “Gear Corner” talked a bit about gloves. it ended up being a perfect segue into the second installation of “Summer Reading”. I’m going through highlights from “Made In America” - Chris Chelios and Kevin Allen. Cheli certainly had an affinity for gloves, and when to drop them.
My first “summer reading post” covered Chelios’s career defining fib. Head to
Triumphbooks.com and you can find this and several other titles by Kevin Allen. Digital formats are also available. Chelios definitely had an “edge” in and out of the rink as a young man. Playing in Montreal found him in what he described as the toughest hockey market, where you can’t go anywhere without being recognized.
Even after his trade to Chicago, Chelios would still have run ins with passionate Montreal fans. The excerpt today comes from an encounter in the Lodge Bar. This story is in chapter 6, page 124 of the hardcover version.
Two Montreal fans were giving Chris grief about the trade (saying he didn’t like French-speaking people).
“The discussion continued to escalate until one of the fans asked me to step outside.
‘I’m not fighting you,’ I said. ‘You would sue me. I have too much to lose.’
Then I had an idea. I told the guy to fetch a pen and a piece of paper and write CHRIS CHELIOS IS IN NO WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS FIGHT. IT WAS MY IDEA TO FIGHT CHELIOS.
The Montreal fan, who was about my age, agreed and carefully crafted his letter and signed it. I read it and then asked to see his driver’s license so I knew he was who he said he was.
As he reached for his identification, I sucker-punched him square in his jaw. He was knocked out cold.
‘That was a cheap shot,’ his friend said. ‘Yep,’ I said. ‘And I have his signed letter saying he asked for it.’
The bartender and the doorman were howling with laughter. Finally they threw the two guys out of the bar. “
I have to admit that every time I read this passage I still have a laugh. This should probably be taught in a self defense class, call it the Chelios chin shot.
I can’t encourage you enough to grab a copy of this book. With things being so crazy in the past year, re-living hockey from the 80s into the 200s is a nice mental retreat. Every story flows like Chris is sitting in front of you, hanging out. It’s an escape for just a small window of time, and a welcome one.
Next week we’re going to look at Chelios in the Winged Wheel, and how his life changed with his move to Motown. I hope you’re enjoying the series as we get into the summer months. As always, I’ll see you in the comments.
To get the book “Made in America” (Chris Chelios and Kevin Allen). Head to
Triumphbooks.com and you can find this and several other titles by Kevin Allen. Digital formats are also available.
Check out some of my previous posts
My second “Gear Corner” talked a bit about gloves.
The Golden Knights are out of the playoffs.
Updated mock drafts have Detroit looking at Wallstedt, Eklund and Edvinsson.
Helm and Filppula could be moving on.
Jared McIsaac may finally be healthy enough to have a solid pro year.
My first “summer reading post” covered Chelios’s career defining fib.
Friday was my first gear corner with Doug Todd from Warrior Hockey.
Albert Johansson won’t be competing for a spot in North America this season
I will be featuring the writings of Kevin Allen for a summer reading program this year. It’s tough to break up the summer months, and the one on one formats that Kevin has perfected is not only a pleasure to read but gives insight that isn’t easy to come by. I’ll be starting with Chris Chelios “Made in America”.
Colorado is out of the playoffs.
Isle be darned, Boston is out 
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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