Young Chelios thrilled for dad

In case the excitement of playing in the Blackhawks’ prospect camp for the team his father spent nine seasons with wasn’t enough for defenseman Jake Chelios, he got a jolt Tuesday when he learned his dad, Chris, had been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“It was obviously big news,” Jake said. “So you get people, my teammates, wishing our family congratulations. He’s obviously really excited after waiting for four years. When we got the call, I called him up, congratulated him.”

Jake enjoyed the opportunity to play in camp Wednesday. Though he plans to return to Michigan State for his senior season, playing with elite talent has helped his game.

“Playing with such good players, they know where to find you,” he said. “They’re always in the right spots. So it’s a little bit faster because they’re definitely stronger to play against. But at the same time, they’re so good, they make it easy to play with them.”

Homecoming

All Winfield native Anthony Louis had to say about playing in camp was, “Finally.”

The 18-year-old Louis, who has played center in the U.S. National Team Development Program, spent his first two years of high school at Wheaton North. Camp has been an eye-opening experience for him.

“Moving on to college, I know what to expect at the next level,” he said. “So I know I’m going to have to boost my game up, get stronger.”

Fountain of youth

Of the 56 players listed on the camp roster, 17 are teenagers.