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It occurred over three decades ago when Brisebois was only 16 years old and making a name for himself as a defenseman with the QMJHL's Laval Titan.
Brisebois' parents received a phone call from renowned player agent Don Meehan inviting their son to the Forum because of his status as a top NHL prospect, and the youngster happily accepted.
The visit included a meet-and-greet with a player of Brisebois' choice, and he selected Chelios, who just happened to be Meehan's client.
"After the game, you brought me a stick, and I still have that stick today," said Brisebois, 50, during a recent conversation with the former Canadiens captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion on The Alumni Lounge podcast. "That had a big impact on me because I always, always liked you and the way you were playing. You played with so much passion every game."
Unfortunately, the pair never shared a locker room in Montreal.
By the time Brisebois made his NHL debut with the Canadiens on January 27, 1991, Chelios was already in his first season with the Chicago Blackhawks.
But, they did go head-to-head days later when the Blackhawks were in town on February 6.
"The first game I played against you, there was a little scrum and guys were pushing each other. Somebody was pushing me, and I turned around and it was you. You pushed me and I pushed you back and you pushed me. I didn't know if you wanted to drop the gloves," said Brisebois with a laugh. "After the game, I thought to myself that I almost fought my idol. But, I was ready."
Chelios didn't shy away from going toe-to-toe with anyone over the course of his lengthy 26-year NHL career, so apparently he would've obliged Brisebois' request to tussle.
Nevertheless, cooler heads prevailed during Chicago's 8-3 triumph.
"You should've dropped your gloves because I'd never not drop mine if somebody dropped theirs first," cracked Chelios, 59, who amassed 2,891 penalty minutes in 1,651 regular season games and another 423 minutes in 266 playoff appearances. "I'm glad we didn't. Thank you for being respectful."
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Chelios' incredible longevity is what Brisebois came to admire most about the Hall of Fame blueliner.
The 12-time All-Star and three-time Norris Trophy winner officially hung up his skates in August 2010 at age 48.
"Playing until 48 years old, it's sick. I know you were passionate about the game, but your body. I was 37, 38, and after 18 years there were some mornings when I couldn't walk. I'd had two back surgeries," mentioned Brisebois. "I was watching you, 42, 43, 44, 45, and you were still playing 16, 18, 20 minutes a game. I don't know how you did that."
Then, Chelios revealed the secret to his fountain of youth.
It was his beloved parents, Gus and Susan, who truly helped him along.
"Everybody works hard. I know that. I think I worked hard earlier than most people, like in the early 90s, I was ahead of the game there a little bit when it came to training, but I have to give it to my mom and dad, their genetics. They were in great shape," confided Chelios. "My dad passed, but he was still rock solid with great legs. My mom's 88 and I watched her run the other day a little bit trying to get back in the house. I believe in that whole Greek thing, Leonidas and all these Greek gods. I believe in those Greek warriors."
Some sound workout advice from a famous buddy also helped his cause as well.
"I was 188 pounds when I turned pro and I'm still 188 pounds. I could eat anything I want. My friend Laird Hamilton, the surfer, once said: 'A hot flame will burn anything.' As long as you train and exercise, it's pretty simple. Whatever you take in, you burn. If you're going to eat 1,500 calories, try and burn 1,700 while you're training," added Chelios. "Genetics matters, too. My mom and dad, they were the same weight their whole lives. I wish you could see my mom wearing her cheetah pants. It's amazing how good a shape she's still in."
