Retired NHL legend Chris Chelios says pickleball has become the perfect sport to satisfy his competitive drive after hanging up his skates. The Hall of Fame defenseman, now 63, found a new outlet for challenge and intensity in the fast-growing paddle sport.
From Stanley Cups to Pickleball Courts
Chelios retired in 2010 at the age of 48, after a legendary 26-season NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Atlanta Thrashers. He played 1,651 games, won three Stanley Cups, and took home three Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman. But even after 15 years away from the ice, Chelios still craves that edge.
“You’re always looking for challenges to compete, right? Pickleball has been perfect. I haven’t been in enough tournaments yet to actually compete. It’s mostly been with friends and for fun, but every once in a while, a thing clicks in my head and you want to win,” said Chelios in a YouTube interview with CPX Pickleball.
“No question that pickleball’s been that biggest thing that’s filled that void for me post-career.” – (Chris Chelios)
Why Chelios Chose Pickleball Over Golf
Unlike many retired pro athletes, Chelios didn’t take up golf to stay active. It wasn’t exciting enough. Instead, he turned to pickleball for its energy, intensity, and social appeal.
“[I love] the action, especially when you’re playing singles. What a workout it is. Unfortunately, it’s tougher on the body. At my age, I’m 63, so you’ve got to take that into consideration. But, doubles all day long. The fact that you can play with your wife, your girlfriend, it’s co-ed, your buddies, it makes it that much better.” – (Chris Chelios)
Chelios enjoys the flexibility of playing with family, friends, or anyone willing to pick up a paddle.
Preparing for Competition Again
Though he mostly plays for fun now, Chelios hopes to enter tournaments soon and is ready to take his training more seriously.
“I hate to fail and I hate to let my partner down, so it’s one of those deals where I’d have to put in the time. Hockey was my life and that was my job, and now to prepare for a tournament, I think two-to-three weeks of playing every day, I think would be more than enough to at least be at that level where I can compete and be happy with my performance and not let my teammate down.” – (Chris Chelios)
He even joked about competing with a celebrity friend.
“He’s fallen in love with it,” said Chelios, referring to Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, who reportedly plays pickleball while on tour.
“Every chance he gets when he’s on the road, he tries to make it a point to at least be somewhere convenient for him to get to a court.” – (Chris Chelios)
Pickleball in the Olympics?
Chelios believes that pickleball’s Olympic debut is only a matter of time. He compared it to other recent Olympic additions, like breakdancing, and emphasized pickleball’s broad appeal and rapid growth.
“There’s no question. Tennis became one. I’m not going to rip on it, but breakdancing became one. This is 10 times better than breakdancing. It’s growing. The fact that celebrities, athletes, tennis players are transitioning into pickleball, there’s no stopping it. It’s got to be the next Olympic sport.” – (Chris Chelios)
“It’s too fast and just too exciting not to be. World tournaments. There’s no boundaries for pickleball the way it exploded over the past few years. Everybody’s playing. Anybody you talk to, once they play it, they love it. You get hooked. It’s a sport for everyone.” – (Chris Chelios)
A Sport Here to Stay
Chelios says he’s hooked and plans to keep watching, playing, and possibly competing in the sport that’s become his post-retirement passion.
“I love watching the tournaments. Again, I wish I had the legs to play one-on-one. These kids are amazing. Other sports come and go, but this is here to stay.” – (Chris Chelios)
News in Brief: NHL Legend Chris Chelios
Hall of Fame NHL defenseman Chris Chelios has embraced pickleball in retirement, calling it the perfect sport to stay competitive. At 63, he plays mostly doubles and plans to enter tournaments soon. Chelios believes the sport is Olympic-worthy and here to stay thanks to its fast-paced action and broad appeal.
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